Erdogan says U.S. Jerusalem move may trigger new clashes in region

ANKARA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday strongly warned the United States against recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying the move would trigger new clashes in the region and help terrorist organizations.

Speaking in a joint news conference with Jordanian King Abdullah II, Erdogan said that "any such false step may cause indignation in the Islamic world, undermining the foundation for peace and igniting new tensions and clashes."

The president also said Turkey and Jordan shared the same sentiment regarding the status of Jerusalem, warning that the U.S. move could "play into the hands of terrorist groups."

King Abdullah II said Jerusalem is the key to the stability of entire region, and ignoring the Palestinian Muslim and Christian rights in Jerusalem would only fuel further extremism.

Erdogan reiterated that leaders of the members of Organization of Islamic Cooperation, an international organization of 57 Muslim countries, would meet in Istanbul on Dec. 13 to discuss Jerusalem issue and take joint actions.

On Tuesday, Erdogan has warned that Turkey could cut diplomatic ties with Israel if the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as Israeli capital. Enditem