Australians protest PM's remarks on embassy relocation

MELBOURNE

A large group of Australians have protested Friday their premier’s remarks on relocating the country’s embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the city as the capital of Israel.

The demonstration organized by the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) was held in Melbourne city in support of Palestinians. The protestors also condemned the Israeli violence against the people of Palestine.

The protest came after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was “open to” relocating his country’s embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the city as the capital of Israel.

The protesters were of the view the prime minister’s remarks would do nothing other than making problem in the region even harder to resolve.

The demonstrators chanted pro-Palestine slogans as “Free Palestine” and “Free Jerusalem”.

In December, U.S. President Donald Trump triggered world outcry after unveiling plans to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city as the capital of Israel.

Ever since, the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah has rejected any U.S. role in the stumbling Middle East peace process.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

Reporting by Recep Sakar:Writing by Sena Guler