The U.S. President whom we expected to lead the peace initiative for Palestine – has announced his recognition of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel on 6th December in violation of the international law.

No need to mention long. Anyone walking in the streets of this historic city, Al-Quds for a few minutes understands that the city is under occupation.

The announcement of such a decision about a city which is already under occupation can have no validity.

According to UN Security Council - where the United States has veto power - resolution No. 478 dated 1980, no country is allowed to hold an embassy in Al-Quds.

In fact, the unlawful decision taken by the United States is supported only by Israel, which is keeping Al-Quds under occupation.

We thank all the countries which didn’t accept this illegitimate decision.

This firm stance about Al-Quds has been confirmed in all the talks I have held so far, including that with the Pope.

The Islamic countries, as well, have categorically rejected the U.S. decision on Al-Quds in the clearest manner and from the very beginning.

Being the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit Chair, we have made a call on the world public opinion on the same day as the U.S. announced its decision in question declaring this decision to be null and void before conscience, law, ethics and history.

This decision, before all else, means the punishing of the Palestinians, who have displayed a stance in favor of peace not violence and who have for many times proved to be the side that wants peace.