Erdogan, UK's May discuss Jerusalem over phone

By Duygu Yener

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May had a phone conversation late Monday, according to presidential sources.

The two leaders discussed the recent developments on Jerusalem and bilateral relations, said the Turkish sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to media.

Erdogan and May said the tensions that had arisen in the region after the U.S move on Jerusalem were worrisome. Erdogan and May emphasized that the two-state solution was the most rational path for the peace process

They also spoke about the U.S veto of the UN Security Council resolution that rejected the establishment of diplomatic facilities in the city of Jerusalem.

They said new tensions that could put the peace process in the region at risk needed to be avoided, emphasizing the role of the international community.

Erdogan and May also highlighted that the two countries were pleased with the improved cooperation between the U.K. and Turkey, especially in the defense industry.

The U.S. on Monday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that rejects the establishment of diplomatic facilities in the contested city of Jerusalem, breaking with the rest of the council.

The move comes less than two weeks after Washington moved to recognize the holy city as Israel's capital and begin the process to move its embassy there from Tel Aviv -- the city where all other nations house their main diplomatic facilities.

Fourteen council members voted in favor of the Egyptian-sponsored resolution that would have demanded U.S. President Donald Trump reverse course on the decision. The U.S. was the sole dissenting vote.

Turkey on Monday regretted the U.S. veto of the UN resolution on Jerusalem, saying it is was indication of “objectivity” lost.

“We regret that the draft resolution on Jerusalem submitted to the UN Security Council was vetoed with one vote against despite 14 votes in favor,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The United Kingdom, a fellow permanent member, voted in favor of the council's resolution, its envoy said, because it fell in line with London's long-standing position on Jerusalem's status.

"Our view is that the issue of Jerusalem is a final status issue, that Jerusalem should be a shared capitol for Israelis and for Palestinians, and the U.K. Embassy, for now, will remain in Tel Aviv," Matthew Rycroft told reporters before the vote.