Islamic countries adopted a declaration recognizing Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital

ISTANBUL, (Patria) - Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) adopted a declaration recognizing the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) rejected at an extraordinary summit in Istanbul the decision of US President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and called on the international community to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

A declaration was adopted at the summit stating that in case of inaction by the UN Security Council, they are prepared to discuss the issue at the UN General Assembly.

- We reject and condemn the statement of the American administration regarding the status of Jerusalem - the declaration stated.

OIC representatives called on the entire world to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Palestine.

- We confirm that we recognize the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital - the declaration stated.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Islamic countries will never give up on the goal of a sovereign and independent Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital.

- As Islamic countries, we will never give up our demand for a sovereign and independent state of Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital - Turkish President Erdogan said and reiterated that Jerusalem is a red line.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Jerusalem remains the capital of Palestine, a city where both Muslims and Christians will continue to live. He also emphasized that the US has lost its status as a mediator in the peace process and will not be allowed to be part of that process in the future.

The Palestinian President stressed that without Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, there is no peace and stability in the Middle East.

- We must work with all our might for occupied Palestine to finally be recognized as a state - Abbas said.