British Prime Minister David Cameron in his reference to the eastern capital used stated “I am well-known as being a strong friend of Israel, but I have to say the first time I visited Jerusalem and had a proper tour around that wonderful city and saw what has happened with the effective encirclement of eastern Jerusalem, occupied eastern Jerusalem it is genuinely shocking.”

YWN-ISRAEL reported that the British leader made his derogatory in his response during a parliamentary question session.

In his response to PM Cameron, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat stated the state of affairs in the eastern capital today is far better than it was during the British Mandate. They mayor added the British leader’s view is mistaken due to a “lack of understanding pertaining to the facts on ground”.

The mayor cited that the ongoing construction in the Arabs areas is far better than any of Israel’s neighbors, including schools, community centers, infrastructure and clinics, questioning PM Cameron’s unprecedented remarks.

He pointed out that in Jerusalem, as is the case in London, one may live wherever one wishes so no one has a right to shout “discrimination”. Barkat suggests the British Prime Minister follow international surveys conducted of late that clearly show the majority of residents of the areas in question prefer a “unified Jerusalem” and this is the model Britain should adopt.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)