European Union foreign ministers have agreed on the recognition of Jerusalem Al-Quds as the "joint capital" of both Israelis and the Palestinians.

The foreign minister meeting for a second day of talks in Brussels adopted a text agreeing that Jerusalem should provide "the future capital of the two states," as part of a negotiated settlement, AFP reported.

"If there is to be a genuine peace, a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states," said a statement released by the foreign ministers Tuesday.

It added that the ministers are "deeply concerned about the situation in East Jerusalem" and urged both sides to avoid what it called "provocative actions."

Sweden, which currently holds the European Union presidency, presented a draft document last week supporting the recognition of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem Al-Quds as its capital.

The proposal provoked Israel’s criticism which warned the decision could further harm the renewal of peace negotiations in the region.

It, however, welcomed the bloc’s decision to back away from the "extremist draft proposal", saying "the voice of the responsible and weighed member states in the EU has prevailed."

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat wrote a pen letter to new EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton warning that "Jerusalem must stay united."

Israel claims Jerusalem as its "eternal, indivisible" capital, while the Palestinians want at least the implementation of UN resolutions which give control of the eastern part of the city to them.

(Press TV)