OIC Calls on US to Revoke Jerusalem Decision; Urges Political and Economic Retaliation
Jakarta. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued a communique on Wednesday (13/12) calling on the United States to reverse its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The organization also urged member states to impose political and economic restrictions on the world's only superpower and biggest economy.
The communique was issued by OIC leaders gathered for an extraordinary summit in Istanbul to discuss President Donald Trump's controversial decision to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – known as Al-Quds in Arabic.
The summit produced a resolution, which "…called on the United States of America to revoke its decision to recognize Al-Quds as capital of Israel, affirming its condemnation and rejection of this decision and the US president's announcement to relocate the American embassy in the city."
In a statement received by the Jakarta Globe, the organization of 57 countries, including Indonesia, said it holds "the US administration fully responsible for any repercussions of it refusing to disavow this unlawful decision, taking it as a clear desertion by the US administration of its role as peace broker."
A call was also made for "OIC member states to impose political and economic restrictions on states, officials, parliaments, companies and individuals recognizing Israeli annexation of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, or engaging in any form with measures aimed at perpetuating Israeli colonization of the occupied Palestinian territories."
The OIC further called on all international actors to sponsor a "credible process to achieve lasting peace" between Israel and Palestine, based on a two-state solution.
"The OIC calls again on those states that have not as yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so promptly, such as to consolidate the foundations of the two-state solution, for justice and international legitimacy to prevail," OIC secretary general Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen said.
Indonesia's Stance
In his remarks during the summit, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo reaffirmed Indonesia's stance on the issue and called on all OIC member states to overcome their differences and unite to defend Palestine.
The president raised six key points during the summit, most of which were included in the communique.
"The OIC must firmly reject the unilateral claim [by the United States]. A two-state solution is the only solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine," he said.
He also urged all OIC member states with embassies in Tel Aviv to ignore the US call to move their missions to Jerusalem.
President Jokowi further called on member states that have diplomatic ties with Israel to take diplomatic action against the Jewish state, "including to reconsider the relationship."
In a video seen by the Jakarta Globe, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said she will visit Brussels to deliver the summit outcome to European Union Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini.
Tags: Keywords: