Turkish, Palestinian presidents talk over phone

By Semra Orkan

ISTANBUL

The presidents of Turkey and Palestine on Saturday discussed regional developments over a phone call, according to Turkish presidential sources.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mahmoud Abbas also exchanged views on moves by various countries to relocate embassies to Jerusalem, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

The presidents also discussed preventing wrong steps that will hinder a solution to the Palestinian issue.

Erdogan told Abbas that Turkey will continue to support Palestinian people, according to the sources.

Late last year, U.S. President Donald Trump became the first leader to announce his country’s intention to recognize Jerusalem as the self-proclaimed Jewish state’s capital, drawing condemnation and protest from across the Arab and Muslim world.

In May, the U.S. carried out the decision, moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Guatemala and Australia have since followed Washington’s lead, also moving its embassy to the flashpoint holy city.