Pakistan FM calls for UN General Assembly emergency session over Jerusalem
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ISTANBUL: Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif represented Pakistan in a meeting of foreign ministers at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stating the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel undermines the role of the United States as an honest peace broker.
Leaders of the Muslim world are attending the OIC on Wednesday in Istanbul, looking to rally for a coordinated response to US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrived in Turkey on Tuesday to attend the special summit on Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem), accompanied by Asif and Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif.
Abbasi will lead the Pakistani delegation at the summit today, which will be held shortly and chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country holds the rotating chairmanship of the OIC.
"FM Asif underscored at OiC CFM that US recognition of Jerusalem undermines its role as an honest broker in the peace process," Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted.
"FM Asif said at OIC CFM that US decision to recognize Jerusalem contrary to international legality."
"FM Asif asked CFM Istanbul If UN Security unable to act, OIC should call for UN General Assembly emergency session."
Trump's announcement last week prompted an outpouring of anger in the Muslim and Arab world, where tens of thousands of people took to the streets to denounce Israel and show solidarity with the Palestinians.
The decision has sparked protests in Palestinian territories, with four Palestinians killed so far in ensuing clashes and air strikes and hundreds wounded.
