Turkey-Czech group head slams Czech move on Jerusalem

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish deputy involved in ties between Ankara and Prague slammed the Czech Republic on Tuesday for backing the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

"Czech support for U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital won’t contribute to peace in the region," Belma Satir, head of the Turkey-Czech Republic inter-parliamentary friendship group, told Anadolu Agency.

On Wednesday, the Czech Republic stated that it recognized Jerusalem as both Israel’s capital and the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Satir added that the U.S. move violates international law and as well as UN resolutions on the status of Jerusalem.

"Beyond international law, this decision is null and void before history," said Satir.

"Turkey will always stand with Palestinians in their just cause," he added.

The shift in U.S. policy last week sparked demonstrations across the Muslim world.

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