Palestine voices frustration at Russia's decision to open diplomatic office in Jerusalem

RAMALLAH, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Monday expressed frustration at Russia's recent decision to open a diplomatic office in Jerusalem.

"Such a decision could be taken advantage of by other countries waiting for the opportunity to follow," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said during a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Palestine Gocha Boachidze in the West Bank city of Ramallah, according to a ministry statement.

The decision came without prior coordination with the Palestinian side or providing explanation afterward, al-Maliki noted.

On June 16, the Russian embassy and the Israeli foreign ministry announced that Russia will open a branch of its consular section in Jerusalem.

A plot of land located on the corner of King George and Ma'alot Streets in Jerusalem could be used to build the branch, according to a statement by the Israeli ministry.

The Palestinians want to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, while the Israelis consider the whole of Jerusalem as its eternal capital.

Jerusalem is one of the final status issues for Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, which stopped in 2014.