Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday denounced as “unfair” U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a move that has sparked international condemnation.
“The recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the U.S. decision to move its embassy to the city is illegal.
“Jerusalem is a red line for us,” Erdogan said in the Tunisian capital, where he is on a visit.
The historical status of Jerusalem and the holiness of the city is out of the question.
“The world conscience rejects such an unfair decision,” he added at a joint press conference with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essibsi.
The UN General Assembly had on Thursday, voted 128 to nine on a resolution demanding that the U.S. rescind its unilateral decision on Jerusalem.
In the run-up to the vote, the U.S. had threatened to cut off aid to the countries that would back the resolution.
“America attempted to buy some votes and threatened some countries, but it has not succeeded,” Erdogan said in Tunis.
The Turkish president, who in the past has called on Muslim pilgrims to go to Jerusalem for prayers, has emerged as one of the most vociferous critics of Trump’s move.
The status of Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive and explosive issues in the decades-long conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
Israel has long claimed Jerusalem as its “undivided capital”, while the Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. (dpa/NAN)
