The United States has said it is unfortunate that Palestinians are declining to meet with Vice President Mike Pence during an upcoming trip to the region in the aftermath of President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. <br/><br/>Jarrod Agen, a deputy chief of staff and spokesman for Pence said, it is unfortunate that the Palestinian Authority is walking away again from an opportunity to discuss the future of the region, but the US remains undeterred in its efforts to help achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians and White House peace team remains hard at work putting together a plan.<br/><br/>The comments come after the Palestinian Authority said that its president Mahmud Abbas would refuse to meet Pence later this month in protest at the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.