Mauritania’s parliament condemns US move on Jerusalem

By Zeynep Tufekci

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AA) – Mauritania’s parliament voted late Tuesday to condemn the United States for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

All parliament members voted in favor of the statement, which also called on African and Arab nations to hold a summit to discuss the U.S. decision and take measures.

It also declared the U.S. move "null and void" and called on Washington to revoke its decision and act accordingly with international law.

On Dec. 6, President Donald Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and announced plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city. The dramatic shift in U.S. policy drew a storm of condemnation and protests across the Arab and Muslim world.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.

At a summit last week in Istanbul, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) responded to the controversial U.S. move by formally recognizing East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental body after the United Nations, and its 57 member states are spread over four continents.