UAE's Sheikh Mohammed says Trump's J'lem decision could help 'terrorists'

"The US move could throw a lifebuoy to terrorist and armed groups, which have begun to lose ground in the region," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan, in an apparent reference to ISIS.

By SAMI ABOUDI/REUTERS
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan as he sits down to a meeting with of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders during their summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (photo credit: JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan as he sits down to a meeting with of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders during their summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
(photo credit: JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS)
DUBAI - US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital could provide a lifeline to militants after the setbacks they suffered this year, the de facto leader of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has warned.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan also said that the UAE hopes that Washington would reconsider its decision.
Trump's announcement has sparked widespread opposition across the Middle East, with many warning it could affect Washington's role as a Middle East peace broker.
"The US move could throw a lifebuoy to terrorist and armed groups, which have begun to lose ground in the region," said Sheikh Mohammed, speaking to a delegation from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
The comments were carried in a report on state news agency WAM published late on Saturday.
Iraq on Saturday declared final victory over Islamic State after Iraqi forces drove its last remnants from the country, while the group is on the back foot in neighboring Syria, where an offensive backed by Russia has driven the group out of most of its strongholds.
Palestinians want East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967, to be the capital of a state they hope would be emerge from peace talks with Israel. Israel has annexed East Jerusalem in a move not recognized internationally and regards the area as part of its capital.
Sheik Mohammed said Trump's unilateral decision violates UN resolutions, and urged Washington to "reconsider its move and work basically in an effective and neutral manner to draft true principles for peace that serve all and realize development and stability in the region," according to WAM.