Turkey condemns U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

ANKARA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkey condemned the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

"We condemn the irresponsible statement of the U.S. administration, which declares that it recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and it will be moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem," the ministry said in a statement.

"This decision is against international law and relevant UN resolutions," the statement said, adding that it will have "negative reflections on the peace and stability in the region, which also bears the risk of completely destroying the ground for peace."

The statement calls upon the U.S. administration to reconsider this faulty decision and avoid harming the multicultural identity and historical status of Jerusalem.

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. Enditem