Turkish-Armenian archbishop calls for calm on Jerusalem

By Andac Hongur

ISTANBUL

The top authority in the Turkish-Armenian Church on Thursday urged calm over the Jerusalem issue to prevent it from escalating into a larger crisis.

"We believe that all sides should make a common effort to prevent harming Jerusalem's character as a common site for worshipping and visiting” for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, said Archbishop Karekin Bekciyan, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Turkey until a patriarch is elected.

In a media statement, Bekciyan said they are following with anxiety the global tension triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. is recognizing Jerusalem as Israeli’s capital.

Bekciyan urged all sides not to take any action that would lead to a worse crisis.

Trump’s decision has angered many leaders and activists across the world, fearing it could fatally damage hopes for peace in the Middle East.

This week an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Istanbul recognized East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital -- condemning Trump’s decision -- and urged all other nations to do the same.