Main opposition CHP calls for cutting ties with Trump

by Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA

Turkey’s main opposition party on Monday urged the government to cut ties with U.S. President Donald Trump after his controversial move recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Speaking to journalists at parliament on Monday, Ozturk Yilmaz, the deputy head of the Republican People's Party (CHP), slammed Trump's move.

Yilmaz said that Trump took the decision "against the conscience of the international community."

Yilmaz called on Ankara to cut diplomatic ties with Trump, saying that if he comes to visit Turkey, he should be turned away.

"If you say that this decision is false, then you will isolate Trump," said Yilmaz

Yilmaz said the CHP would continue to support a sovereign and independent Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital.

"It is our debt of honor to take out the dagger which was put into the heart of Jerusalem," he said.

On Wednesday, Trump announced the U.S.’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s “undivided” capital, adding that the U.S. Embassy would relocate from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The dramatic shift in Washington’s Jerusalem policy triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories as well as Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, and other Muslim countries.

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 future Palestinian state.