Abela to Netanyahu: We don't take sides between Israel and Palestine

Malta is not picking sides between Israel and Palestine but rather wants mutual recognition and peace between the two, Foreign Minister Carmelo Abela told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Speaking at an informal working breakfast foreign ministers from the EU28 had with Mr Netanyahu, Dr Abela reiterated his concern at US President Donald Trump's decision last week to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. “We believe that the aspirations of the Israelis and the Palestinians must be fulfilled and that a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both States," Dr Abela said.  "Malta will continue to respect the international consensus on Jerusalem and our embassy will remain in Tel Aviv until the final status of Jerusalem is resolved."  Discussions with Mr Netanyahu took place on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs (Development) Council and were chaired by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. Mr Netanyahu had entered the talks saying he hoped EU leaders would follow the US' lead, but those hopes were firmly dashed, with...