Sadiq Khan terms US move regarding Jerusalem ‘dangerous’

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ISLAMABAD: London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed serious concern over US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and described his speech as “dangerous”.

“I’m very concerned…Trump doesn’t understand war politics, the offence he is causing,” he said while speaking in Geo News programme Capital Talk.

Sadiq said the whole world needs to unite to “tell Trump that he is wrong” and lobby to get the US to change its stance.

Trump on Wednesday recognised the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital — a historic decision that overturns decades of US policy and risks triggering a fresh spasm of violence in the Middle East.

"I have determined that it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," Trump said from the White House. "It's the right thing to do."

Sadiq described Trump’s speech as “dangerous” and said the whole world needs to unite to “tell Trump that he is wrong” and lobby to get the US to change its stance.

“Jerusalem has to be part of the peace negotiations…the whole world believes that. France, UK, and others have also condemned the move,” he said.

The London mayor, however, emphasised the need to be peaceful and not resort to violence while protesting the move.

On being questioned whether he would welcome Trump in the UK, Sadiq said that the US president should not have a state visit and that “we shouldn’t roll out a red carpet for him”.

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“I’ve been quite clear [about this]; he should not have a state visit. People of London are not his fans. I've heard he is visiting London in February, but not on a state visit, so let’s see,” he said.

The London mayor also advised Trump to change his views on Islam and Muslims.

“People say US, UK are best friends,” he said, adding that best friends also call out each other when one is wrong. “So I’m telling US that yes, you’re still my best friend, but you need to change [your stance on Jerusalem].”

On the issue of India-Pakistan relations, Sadiq Khan emphasised on the importance of Confidence Building Measures. He said that the Kashmir issue can only be resolved through talks between India and Pakistan.

The mayor of London gave the recent example of the ICC champions trophy as a welcome move. The speech by the Indian captain was pleasant and an example which makes us optimistic, he remarked.

Sadiq Khan expressed his wish and commitment to increase cooperation between the UK and Pakistan in various fields including trade, tourism and education.