Safadi, Norwegian FM talk efforts to restore calm in Jerusalem

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Saturday received a phone call from Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt to discuss efforts exerted to restore calm in Jerusalem and its holy sites, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the phone call, they also focused on ways to stop the escalation, highlighting the importance of Israel respecting the legal and historical status quo in Al Aqsa Mosque and the right of worshippers performing their religious rites without any restrictions.

Safadi urged the cessation of Israel’s escalatory measures that undermine the historical and legal status quo of Al Aqsa Mosque, including extremists’ storming of the mosque.

He considered stopping the entry of non-Muslims to the mosque in the last 10 days of Ramadan a step in the right direction towards respecting the existing historical status quo which, in turn, will contribute to alleviating tension. 

They agreed that action must be taken to return to serious and effective negotiations to resolve the Palestinian cause on the basis of the two-state solution in accordance with international law.

Safadi warned of the consequences of the continued absence of all prospects of real and effective effort to resolve the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, stressing the need for the international effort not to be exclusive to ending the current wave of escalation.

He highlighted the need to address the roots of tension and conflict that will continue to pose a threat of a volatile situation if hope is not restored in the peace process.

Safadi appreciated Norway’s stance, which currently occupies a non-permanent position in the Security Council, in support of the two-state solution and its efforts to reactivate the peace process.

He also valued Norway's role as chair of the AD-Hoc Liaison Committee to coordinate international support to the Palestinians.

The two top diplomats agreed to continue coordination and consultation in order to end the cycle of tension and violence and discuss practical steps to resume serious and effective negotiations to achieve the two-state solution.