clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

OIC condemns embassy move to Jerusalem as Trump reaffirms commitment

January 20, 2017 at 2:23 pm

Image of the session organised by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia [Ali Kemal Akan/Anadolu]

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned plans to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.

Foreign ministers from the OIC released a joint-statement yesterday after a meeting in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur condemning plans by US President-elect Donald Trump to move the embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Trump takes office later today as the 45th President of the United States, replacing President Barack Obama.

The OIC rejected any actions that could undermine the ability of Palestinian Arabs to claim part of Jerusalem in a future state.

It also called on governments to desist from any activities that might encourage Israel to “pursue its illegal occupation and annexation of…East Jerusalem, including any such encouragement through the transfer of their diplomatic missions to the city.”

The statement invited the OIC’s 57 member states “to take the necessary steps and measures” in response to any such hostile position, but did not elaborate upon what those steps may be.

Israeli newspaper, Arutz Sheva, reported that yesterday, in an interview with the Israeli Hayom paper, Trump stressed that he remains committed to moving the embassy.

Asked by correspondent Boaz Bismuth if he remembered his promise about the embassy, Trump replied: “Of course I remember what I told you about Jerusalem. Of course I didn’t forget. And you know I’m not a person who breaks promises.”