OIC reacts sharply to US decision on Jerusalem embassy

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly rejected and condemned in the "strongest terms" on the "illegal" decision by the US Administration to open embassy in Jerusalem.

In a joint statement, the Islamic countries grouping called it a deplorable action of the US for "unlawfully" opening its Embassy in Jerusalem, in "clear violation of international law and legitimacy and is in clear contempt of international community position regarding Jerusalem".

They also decided to pursue all available legal, political, and legislatives avenues at the national and international levels to confront and stop the Israeli colonial settlement regime in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and adopt actions to ensure that companies and other actors that choose to benefit from the Israeli colonial regime are deprived of the opportunity of accessing OIC markets.

Bangladesh issued the joint statement as the Chair of the 45th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC.

The OIC considers the US action as an attack on the historical, legal, natural and national rights of the Palestinian people.

It undermines the standing of the United Nations and rule of international law and thus represents an affront to international peace and security as expressed at the Extraordinary OIC Islamic Summit held in Istanbul on Dec 13, and also by the international community at the UN General Assembly held on Dec 2.

The OIC views such deplorable action by the US Administration as a clear violation of all existing international laws pertaining to the status of Al Quds Al Sharif and Palestine.

It said the US administration has contradicted its own commitments and expressed utter disdain and disrespect to Palestinian legitimate rights, and international law. 

America has made very clear it has no regard for the rights and religious sentiments of the Muslim world, the grouping said and concluded that the current US administration has invalidated its role as a broker in any future peace efforts in Palestine.

The specific status of Al Quds Al Sharif is central to the OIC and to the Muslim Ummah and of other religions, which therefore requires the protection and preservation of its unique spiritual, religious and cultural dimensions, as foreseen in relevant UN resolutions. 

Hence, the final status of Al Quds Al Sharif should and must be resolved through negotiations in line with relevant UN Resolutions, read the statement.

The OIC attaches great importance for a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of the State of Palestine, consistent with the internationally recognised terms of reference and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative adopted.