Mahathir says US law on Jerusalem fuels terrorism

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A new US law implicitly recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital will fuel terrorism, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned today.

"It is just like pouring oil on fire," he was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency.

"We are increasing the causes for terrorism."

Malaysia, a member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and does not have diplomatic ties with Israel.

The new law demanding the US embassy in Israel be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has triggered outrage across the Arab and Muslim worlds, despite President George W. Bush's firm pledge to ignore its provisions.

Along with many other countries, the United States maintains its embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv to reflect the contested nature of Arab east Jerusalem, which the Jewish state captured in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed. — AFP



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