UN: Jerusalem part of occupied Palestinian territories

Maan News Agency:

UN: Jerusalem part of occupied Palestinian territories Published today (updated) 15/07/2011 14:41 RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization released a statement Friday reiterating the occupied status of East Jerusalem. "UNESCO wishes to reiterate that, contrary to recent claims, there has been no change in UNESCO's position on Jerusalem," the statement said. "In line with overall UN policy, East Jerusalem remains part of the occupied Palestinian territory, and the status of Jerusalem must be resolved in permanent status negotiations." "The Old City of Jerusalem is inscribed on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO continues to work to ensure respect for the outstanding universal value of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem." UNESCO had been criticized recently after it emerged that the organization listed Jerusalem as Israel's capital on its website, despite the international status of the Eastern part of the city as under occupation. Israel has occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem since 1967 and the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over any of the occupied areas.