Riyadh, Rabi'I 17, 1439, December 05, 2017, SPA -- An official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's grave and deep concern over media reports that the U.S. Administration intends to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem. The source added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia views this step, if taken, to be in contradiction of the principle of not affecting final status negotiations, and contradicts international resolutions that emphasize the historical and firm rights of the Palestinian People regarding Jerusalem, which cannot be changed, nor can an attempt to impose a new reality upon it be made. This step, if taken, will constitute a fundamental change, and an unwarranted shift in the United States' impartial position, at a time when the world looks to the United States of America to work on achieving the desired progress in the peace process. The source added that this step will have serious implications and will further complicate the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It will also obstruct the ongoing efforts to revive the peace process. This step will also provoke the sentiments of Muslims throughout the world in light of the great importance and the pivotal status of Jerusalem. The source stressed the importance that the US administration takes into consideration the grave and negative consequences of this step. The Kingdom hopes that the US administration does not take such a step, in order to avoid compromising the ability of the United States to continue its efforts to achieve a just resolution for the Palestinian cause, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant International resolutions. ‏The source also stressed the Kingdom’s unwavering position regarding Jerusalem and its firm and lasting support for the Palestinian people towards realizing their legitimate rights and establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its Capital. --SPA 11:50 LOCAL TIME 08:50 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w555049