US recognition of Jerusalem undermines its role as peace broker: Asif

The foreign minister is in Istanbul to attend OIC summit

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital undermines its role as an honest broker in the Middle East peace process.

Asif said this while addressing the meeting of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) Foreign Ministers in Istanbul ahead of the summit convened by Turkey to explore ways to deal with the situation.

FM Asif underscored at OiC CFM that US recognition of Jerusalem undermines its role as an honest broker in the peace process.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 13, 2017

Asif said if the UN Security Council was unable to act then OIC should call for a UN General Assembly emergency session to discuss the situation arising out of the US decision.

FM Asif asked CFM Istanbul If UN Security unable to act, OIC should call for UN General Assembly emergency session

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 13, 2017

"The US decision is contrary to international legality," he was quoted as saying by Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal.

FM Asif said at OIC CFM that US decision to recognize Jerusalem contrary to international legality

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 13, 2017

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also in Turkey to represent Pakistan at the summit.

US President Donald Trump's announcement last week has been met with an anger and disappointment in Muslim countries, particularly. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets to express solidarity with Palestinians.



There have been protests in Palestine as well, with four Palestinians killed so far and hundreds wounded.

Pakistan government also condemned the decision, with the Senate passing a resolution against it.