We condemn the irresponsible statement of the US Administration that we learnt with great concern, declaring that it recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and it will be moving the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

This decision is against international law and relevant UN Resolutions, as the annexation of Jerusalem by Israel has been rejected by international community and the UN.

It has been recurrently emphasized by various UN Resolutions that Palestinian question can only be settled through the existence of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. It is unacceptable that the US, a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, ignores this fact. Attainment of independence by Palestine is a historical, conscientious and humanitarian obligation. Turkey will continue to advocate this.

The said decision, that will have negative reflections on the peace and stability in the region, also bears the risk of completely destroying the ground for peace.

We call upon the US Administration to reconsider this faulty decision which may result in highly negative outcomes and to avoid uncalculated steps that will harm the multicultural identity and historical status of Jerusalem.

These developments regarding Jerusalem will be taken up extensively at the OIC Leaders Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting that will be held on 13 December 2017 in İstanbul upon the call made by H.E. President Erdoğan as the Summit Chair of the OIC.