Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country rejects the move of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, adding that the U.S. has “lost its role as mediator” in the Middle East in the process.

“With its latest step America has chosen to be a part of the problem, not a solution, and lost its mediator role in the Middle East peace process”, Erdogan told the Chatham House global affairs think tank on Monday.

“We are rejecting once again this decision which violates international law and which is against UN resolutions,” he said.

‘President Erdogan vigorously defended Turkey’s policy in Syria and the broader Middle East in response to objections from the US and Europe.’ – Associate Fellow Fadi Hakura comments on President Erodgan of Turkey’s address at Chatham House this morning. #CHevents pic.twitter.com/N5IAeU3VpJ — Chatham House (@ChathamHouse) May 14, 2018

Erdogan chided the U.S. embassy move to Israel’s capital as “very, very unfortunate” and said it “will increase tensions and ignite an even greater fire between communities”.

“The international community must do its part as soon as possible and take swift action to put an end to Israel’s increasing aggression,” he went on.

“The establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is the only way for lasting peace and stability,” he said.

Erdogan started a three-day visit to Britain on Sunday. The Turkish leader is scheduled to meet Queen Elizabeth II and British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday.