Turkish parliament sign joint statement against US recognition of Jerusalem

All four parties in the Turkish parliament signed a joint statement late Wednesday, declaring Turkey's resolve to reject the United States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) signed the statement, which emphasized "The absolute and unquestionable resolve of Turkish parliament to reject this dangerous attempt [the US' decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israeli capital] is hereby declared."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also slammed the decision earlier the same day, saying that recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital would only benefit terrorist organizations.

Speaking in a joint news conference with Jordanian King Abdullah, Erdoğan said that Turkey and Jordan shared the same views regarding the status of Jerusalem.

"The wrong step [expected] to be taken regarding Jerusalem's status will be the cause of indignation in the Islamic world. It will [undermine] the foundation for peace and will light the wick of new works," Erdoğan said, adding that peace and security in the Middle East cannot be sacrificed for the sake of domestic politics.

As part of his election campaign, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to relocate the country's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The recent move has been opposed by a number of world powers, including France, the U.K., EU, Turkey and the Arab League.

While Israel considers Jerusalem as its capital, the world opposes this, saying that the city's status should be determined in peace talks with Palestinians, who consider the eastern part of the city as their future capital.
Turkey has strongly reacted against the decision and warned the U.S., while President Erdoğan warned the country could cut diplomatic relations with Israel.