The U.N. Security Council will meet on Friday in emergency session to discuss the decision by U.S.President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the council's leadership announced on Wednesday (December 6^th).

Eight countries have called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council after the United States said it recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital. (Photo: AFP/KENA BETANCUR)

The talks - requested by eight nations - will begin at 10.00am (local time), but there are other items on the agenda, so the Jerusalem issue may not come up until the late morning, said Japan, which holds the council's rotating presidency.

Bolivia, Britain, Egypt, France, Italy, Senegal, Sweden and Uruguay requested the talks. They have also asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to open the meeting with remarks.

After Trump's announcement, Guterres said Jerusalem's final status could only be resolved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Guterres added that he had "consistently spoken out against any unilateral measures."

"There is no alternative to the two-state solution."

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres addresses U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on Jerusalem, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images/AFP)

Bolivian Ambassador Sacha Sergio Llorenty Soliz called Trump's move "a reckless and a dangerous decision which goes against international law, the resolutions of the Security Council."

"It's a threat not just to the peace process, but also it's a threat to international peace and security," said the envoy.

PEACE STILL POSSIBLE, US SAYS

Trump insisted the move did not prejudge final talks, saying it simply reflected the reality that west Jerusalem is and will continue to be part of Israel under any settlement.

"This is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality. It is also the right thing to do," Trump said.

"Peace is never beyond the grasp of those willing to reach it," said the U.S. leader, who declared that "this decision is not intended in any way to reflect a departure from our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace."

"The United States would support a two-state solution if agreed to by both sides," Trump said, as he announced that Vice President Mike Pence would travel to the region in the coming days.

Trump further stated that the United States was not taking a position on any "final status issues, including the specific boundaries of the Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, or the resolution of contested borders."

"Those questions are up to the parties involved."

VNF/AFP