Islamic nations declares East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital

SOURCEAljazeera


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The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) while rejecting US stance as “dangerous” has declared East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and and called on the international community to follow in its footsteps.

At an emergency conference of the OIC held in Istanbul Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the US had “disqualified” itself from future Israel-Palestine peace talks after proving its “bias in favour of Israel”. Muslim leaders called on all countries to “recognise the State of Palestine and East Jerusalem as its occupied capital”. The extraordinary OIC summit was called for by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following Trump’s announcement.

The OIC added that the 57-member group remains committed to a “just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution”.

It also called on the UN to “end the Israeli occupation” of Palestine and declared Trump’s administration liable for “all the consequences of not retracting from this illegal decision”.

Yousef al-Othaimeen, the OIC’s secretary general, rejected the US decision and urged Muslim leaders to work together to present a united response to the move.

“The OIC rejects and condemns the American decision,” he said. “This is a violation of international law … and this is a provocation of the feelings of Muslims within the world.

“It will create a situation of instability in the region and in the world.”

Palestinian President said thatWe shall not accept any role for the United States in the peace process, they have proven their full bias in favour of Israel.

“Jerusalem is and always will be the capital of Palestine.”

Speaking at the meeting, Erdogan accused Israel of being a “state of terror” and said the US’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel had been rebuked by the international community.

“It is null and void … except Israel, no country in the world has supported [this decision],” he said.