Turkey Says Regrets US Veto of UN Resolution on Jerusalem

Turkey expressed regret over the U.S. veto of a U.N. Security Resolution about calling the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to be withdrawn.

“U.S. veto of the draft that was drawn up considering the international law and legitimacy and calls for all countries to follow the relevant UN resolutions on Jerusalem reveals once again that this country is no more objective,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On Monday, the veto deepened the split between the U.S. and the rest of the international community over its move regarding the status of Jerusalem.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May on the phone, discussing to block the resolution. Both leaders agreed that measures that could hamper peace process in the region should be avoided.

Turkey’s president was on the front line to assemble an Islamic summit to reverse the U.S. move and to press for the recognition of East Jerusalem as “the occupied capital of an independent Palestinian State.”

“The fact that the USA is the sole opposing vote is the most tangible indicator of the illegality of decision on Jerusalem,” the ministry said.

“It is unacceptable that UN Security Council is left the non-functional community for such an issue that will have implications on regional peace and stability.”

Last week, Turkey hosted a summit in support of Palestinians’ cause. Islamic countries called on the world to recognize the Palestinian state.

“We will continue to stand by the State of Palestine and its people and support the fair struggle of Palestine and efforts thereof in all international [forums], particularly in the UN General Assembly,” the statement said.