"We are launching initiatives for Palestine to be recognized by more countries"

Konya Civil Society Organizations organized a rally of "Turkiye Stands with Al-Quds" in Mawlana Square to condemn the imperialist US President Donald Trump's decision recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of zionists.

The rally, which was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan via video conferencing, was attended by political party representatives, NGO representatives and thousands of people.

Reminding that over 30 heads of state and government and more than 1000 representatives have attended the OIC Extraordinary Summit, held last Wednesday in Istanbul upon Turkiye's call, President Erdoğan stressed that the OIC convened one of its broadest-participation meetings only seven days after the U.S. administration's provocative decision on Al-Quds, and added: "This scene of unity has shown to the whole world that Al-Quds and our Palestinian brothers and sisters are not alone."

Pointing out that decisions of historic importance were taken regarding Al-Quds and Palestine and that the invalidity and illegitimacy of the U.S. decision on Al-Quds were emphasized during the Summit, President Erdoğan said: "In the eyes of OIC Member States, Al-Quds is the capital of Palestine. We also invited all the countries in the world, first and foremost the European countries, to acknowledge Palestine's independence and recognize Al-Quds as its capital."

"Currently 137 countries recognize Palestine"

Adding that they will not content themselves with simply these measures, President Erdoğan underscored: "We are launching an initiative at the UN as well for the annulment of the U.S. decision on Al-Quds. That is so because no country can hold an embassy in Al-Quds according to the UNSC Resolution No. 978 dated 1980. The U.S. has acted in violation of this resolution, of which it is one of the signatories itself. No country in the world is placed above the international law. On one hand you will claim to be a sponsor of democracy, but on the other hand, you will trample upon law, democracy and anything related to justice whenever you feel like doing so. This scandal is unacceptable by any means. Muslims will never bow down to this double standard, injustice, and usurpation of rights."

Emphasizing Turkiye's determination to do its bit on the issue to the end, President Erdoğan said: "We will work for the annulment of this unjust and unlawful decision firstly at the UN Security Council, and if a veto comes from there, at the General Assembly. We are also starting initiatives in order to increase the number of countries that recognize Palestine. Currently, 137 countries recognize Palestine and Allah willing this number will further increase through our efforts. What is more, we, as the Islamic countries, are establishing new funds to safeguard Al-Quds' historical and Islamic character and support Palestinian families living therein. With these funds, we will prevent usurpations upon the neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes that belong to Muslims in Al-Quds and will support them in every sphere."

The forgotten Palestinian issue has been re-embraced by billions of people

Noting that the occupation and state terrorism in Palestine has once again come to the forefront in the world's agenda following the step was taken by the U.S., President Erdoğan said: "The Palestinian question, having almost been forgotten formerly, has now been re-embraced by billions of people, the Muslims in particular. The footages, relating to brutal murders and human rights violations committed by Israel, have revealed its true face feeding off of blood and suffering." (Suat Tink , Mehmet Ali Ekinci - ILKHA)