Turkish leader has been one of the loudest voices in a global chorus of condemnation over Donald Trump’s announcement
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that Turkey would soon be able to open an embassy to a Palestinian state in East Jerusalem, as he again denounced Donald Trump’s recognition of the city as the Israeli capital.
Erdogan has sought to lead Islamic condemnation of his US counterpart’s move, calling a summit of the leaders of Muslim nations last week in Istanbul who urged the world to recognise East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
It was not clear how he would carry out the move, as Israel controls all of Jerusalem and calls the city its indivisible capital. Palestinians want the capital of a future state they seek to be in East Jerusalem, which Israel took in a 1967 war and later annexed in a move not recognized internationally.
Erdogan said in a speech to members of his AK Party in the southern province of Karaman that Turkey’s consulate general in Jerusalem was already represented by an ambassador and with God willing, the day is close when officially, with God’s permission; we will open our embassy there.
Mr Erdogan had warned Muslims, in a speech earlier this weekend, against “internecine warfare”, saying fighting with each other “only helps terror states like Israel”.
Foreign embassies in Israel, including Turkey‘s, are located in Tel Aviv, reflecting Jerusalem’s unresolved status.
Many world leaders voiced fears the controversial move would spark renewed violence in the region and wider Muslim world.
The United Nations Security Council is considering a draft resolution that would insist any decisions on the status of Jerusalem have no legal effect and must be rescinded but It is thought to have broad support, but would likely be vetoed by the US.