Cairo, 15 December 2018 SPA -- Arab League (AL) strongly condemned Australian decision to recognize Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of Israel, describing it as a serious violation of the international legal status of Jerusalem and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy of the UN Security Council. The Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and the occupied Arab territories Said Abu Ali said in a statement issued here today: "This decision represents a blatant disregard of the positions and policies of the Israeli occupation, to encourage its continued and escalating practices and aggression, especially, with its recent assault on the Palestinian people's most basic rights. He added that this decision is a flagrant defiance of the international community will and a frantic attempt aimed, at destroying any chance for achieving lasting peace, through a two-state solution, that reflects the will of the international community. -- SPA 18:40 LOCAL TIME 15:40 GMT 0014 www.spa.gov.sa/w805623