US Jerusalem decision 'null and void' says Turkish PM

By Mumin Altas

ANKARA

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim called the U.S. declaration as ‘null and void’ for Turkey, in a written statement Thursday.

“The U.S. President’s declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the steps related to it are null and void for Turkey,” he said, adding that the decision is a heavy blow to Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts and the Middle East peace process.

“Pandora's box was opened in the region with the decision.”

He also added that the decision, which will root out the peace in Palestine and the Middle East and is an example of total irresponsibility taken with political concerns.

“I strongly condemn those who took this decision. As always, the status of all the holy places of Jerusalem, especially the Masjid al-Aqsa, is respected and it has a vital importance not to present a fait accompli.”

Yildirim also stated that the necessary counter steps will be decided along with the leaders of the Islamic world after discussing the issue with all dimensions, during a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Earlier Wednesday, Trump announced his decision despite widespread international opposition to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

During his election campaign last year, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Turkey will host an extraordinary meeting of the OIC on Dec. 13 to discuss the U.S.’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.