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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, October 08, 2002

Egypt Welcomes Arafat's Signing of Bill on Jerusalem

Egypt on Monday welcomed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's signing of a bill to make Jerusalem the capital of the future Palestinian state.


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Egypt on Monday welcomed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's signing of a bill to make Jerusalem the capital of the future Palestinian state.

"It was only appropriate to take such a step after US President George W. Bush signed a legislation last week recognizing Jerusalemas the capital of Israel," Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher told reporters.

"It was also proper to reaffirm anew that the issue of Jerusalemis not subject to foreign or outside decisions, but it is part of anegotiated settlement that would make East Jerusalem the capital ofPalestine," he said.

"Those trying to take steps in that direction (changing the status of Jerusalem) must realize that nothing will be achieved before a final settlement is reached that affirms East Jerusalem isthe capital of Palestine," the Egyptian minister said.

Arafat signed a bill on the status of Jerusalem days after Bush signed a congressional bill that requires the United States to identify Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In late September, the US Congress approved the 2003 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which includes a provision that requires the United States to identify Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Bush said after signing the bill that his administration was notlegally bound to follow the provision, adding the US policy on Jerusalem remains unchanged.

Last week, Egypt expressed its deep regret over the US congressional bill.


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