Iran condemns US move to call al-Quds Israel's capital

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi on Wednesday condemned the US congressional approval requiring President George W. Bush to recognize Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of Israel, Iranian news agency IRNA reported.

He said the signing of the bill was an example of the US actions to take advantage of the situation in the Middle East while the public attention is focused on the Iraqi crisis, IRNA went on.

"While the US move to recognize Holy Al-Quds as the capital of Israel and Ariel Sharon continues his crimes, aggression and humiliation, is it possible to expect a lasting peace in the Middle East?" Kharrazi asked.

He said, "Our evaluation is that the region is full of hatred toward Israel and the US bill will incite the sentiments of the Muslims in the region."

Kharrazi said that the US move is in fact an affront to the sentiments of the Muslim nations.

The Congress, in approving US$ 8.6 billion authorization bill on September 26, called on the Bush administration to immediately begin shifting the US Embassy to Al-Quds from Tel Aviv.

Bush signed the Congressional bill on Tuesday.