King continues int’l contacts on Jerusalem

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday discussed the recent Israeli acts of aggression on Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque with King Mohammed VI of Morocco and French President Francois Hollande.

During telephone calls with the two leaders, King Abdullah highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to end the assaults, which he said contravene international norms and conventions, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King urged the international community to take a firm stand on the breaches and to work to stop the assaults on Al Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest shrine for Muslims all over the world.

For his part, Hollande warned that any change in the rules governing Al Aqsa Mosque compound could lead to "serious destabilisation", Agence France-Presse reported from Paris.

The French premier expressed his "deep concern" over the developments in Jerusalem over the past three days.

Clashes erupted at the site following a raid on the mosque by Israeli forces earlier this week.

Jordan is custodian of holy Muslim and Christian sites in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian city.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers on Wednesday discussed the situation in Jerusalem.

The Cabinet highlighted Jordan's stance, under the leadership of King Abdullah, and stressed also His Majesty's intensive efforts to protect Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites facing Israeli assaults.

To that end, the council commended His Majesty's "clear and strong" stance, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh briefed the council on Jordanian diplomatic efforts exerted in cooperation with the international community to put a stop to the Israeli assaults in Jerusalem.

The Cabinet directed the foreign affairs and awqaf ministries to take necessary measures to intensify contact with effective countries, and warn of the dangers of the Israeli measures.

The government renewed rejection of Israeli attempts to change the reality in Jerusalem and the city’s identity, stressing that such actions are prone to fuel radicalism and hatred.

Recently, the Cabinet decided to appoint more than a 100 additional guards to protect Al Haram Al Sharif compound, which houses Al Aqsa Mosque, under directives by His Majesty. The measure was intended als to support Jerusalemites and preserve Islamic and Christian sanctuaries in the holy city.