Dems drop language on Jerusalem…

Associated Press

BRADLEY KLAPPER, Associated Press

Updated: Sep 4, 2012 3:33 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have dropped from their platform recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a move that has opened President Barack Obama to criticism from Republican rival Mitt Romney.

Four years ago Democrats stated unequivocally that "Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel."

Israelis and Palestinians both claim the city as their capital.

Democratic spokeswoman Melanie Roussell defended the change. She says the Obama administration is taking the same Jerusalem policy as every Republican and Democratic administration since 1967, while seeking resolution in a two-state peace agreement.

Romney called the change a "shameful refusal to acknowledge that Jerusalem is Israel's capital." He accused Obama of distancing the U.S. from its ally Israel.

The Republican platform crafted last week envisioned two states, including Israel with Jerusalem as its capital.

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