Bishop to meet with Islamic ambassadors over east Jerusalem row

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will meet ambassadors from Islamic nations today to assure them Australia's policy towards East Jerusalem hasn't changed.

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Julie Bishop. (AAP)

Ms Bishop will meet the delegation in Canberra to discuss their concerns about the federal government's refusal to acknowledge East Jerusalem as occupied territory.

The Foreign Minister told the ABC that the government hasn't changed it's policy and wants to see a two-state solution.

The coalition has never

"What this whole debate is about is our belief that we should refer to it by it's geographical name, that is east Jerusalem and that is a bi-partisan position," she said.

"I'm sure the ambassadors will want to continue the very strong relationship we have with their countries and I will assure them that there has been no change in Australian government policy."

"We remain committed to a two-state solution where the Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace behind internationally recognised and defined boundaries."

The government sparked a backlash after ruling out using the term "occupied" for the ancient city, deeming it pejorative and unhelpful to the Middle East peace process.

Ms Bishop insists there's been no change in government policy, but a number of Islamic nations have registered their concerns with Australian officials both at home and abroad.


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Source: AAP


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