Turkish parliament welcomes UN's decision on US move

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA

Turkey’s parliament on Thursday welcomed the UN General Assembly's clear-cut rejection of a U.S. decision on Jerusalem’s status.

Deputy parliament speaker, Ahmet Aydin announced the UN's resolution to lawmakers during the 2018 budget debate.

"We have seen one more time that the world is bigger than five," said Aydin, a reference to the UN Security Council's five permanent members.

Aydin described the UN decision on the U.S. move as "a historic step".

"The decision shows us that all states were equal. The decision is very important for forming the world order," said Aydin.

Aydin recalled that Turkey’s parliament had issued a joint declaration on Dec. 6 against the U.S. move recognizing Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

"I thank all parties for their strong stance against this issue," he said.

The full 193-member UN General Assembly met for a rare emergency special session regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's decision. Unlike at the Security Council, the U.S. has no veto power in the assembly.

A total of 128 members voted in favor of the resolution, nine countries voted against and 35 others abstained.