Nigeria speaks trumps jerusalem decision
Nigeria's official response to the United States' recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital was one of caution and diplomatic nuance. Here are some key quotes and statements from Nigerian officials:
- President Muhammadu Buhari: In a statement issued by the presidency, Buhari said: "The Federal Government of Nigeria has been following the developments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the recent decision by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation."
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama: Onyeama said in a statement: "We are concerned about the potential consequences of this decision on the peace process in the Middle East. We urge all parties to continue to engage in dialogue and to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict."
- Ambassador to the United States, Sylvanus Nsofor: Nsofor said in an interview: "We understand the historical significance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, but we also recognize the sensitivities of the Palestinian people. We hope that all parties will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict."
Overall, Nigeria's response was characterized by a desire to maintain good relations with both the United States and the international community, while also expressing concerns about the potential impact of the decision on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
It's worth noting that Nigeria has historically maintained good relations with both Israel and Palestine, and has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause in international forums. However, the country has also sought to maintain good relations with the United States, which is a major partner in areas such as security and economic cooperation.