Tarawneh discusses Palestinian cause with Iranian counterpart, Qatari PM

AMMAN — President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (APU) and Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Monday met Iranian Shura Council President Ali Larijani, in Doha, on the sidelines of the International Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) 140 proceedings. 

“Jordanians stand steadfast behind His Majesty King Abdullah, the Custodian of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian holy sites, and we will continue playing our role in defending the Palestinian cause until the Palestinians receive their rights in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions,” Tarawneh was quoted as saying in a statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

In a meeting held at the Iranian delegation’s place of residence, Tarawneh added that “it is our role as parliamentary officials in Arab and Muslim countries to continue coordinating and discussing our support of central causes, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, which must be at the top of our priorities, allowing us to overlook our differences”. 

No issue should precede that of Jerusalem, the Lower House speaker stressed, adding that “we cannot stand idly in the face of the occupier’s actions against it [Jerusalem] and its people”.

The minister noted that the Arab parliamentary group presented a recommendation for an urgent IPU resolution condemning the violations of the Israeli occupation, recognising the Palestinian people’s rights and rejecting the US administration’s decision to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, according to Petra.

For his part, Larjani affirmed his country’s appreciation for His Majesty’s efforts in defending the Palestinian cause and the Hashemite Custodiaship over Jerusalem’s holy sites, pointing out that “the occupier exploits the disputes between Muslim countries, which contributes to lowering the priority of the Palestinian cause”. 

Larjani also welcomed Tarawneh’s proposal of holding a meeting in Baghdad for parliamentary leaders of Iraq’s neighbouring countries. 

Also on Monday, Tarawneh met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, during which the two affirmed the importance of continuous Arab dialogue and coordination to “serve the key interests of Arab nations, with the Palestinian cause at the forefront”.

“We will continue to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters and protect Jerusalem, starting with the Hashemite Custodiaship of Islamic and Christian Holy sites in the Holy City. The parliamentary union will spare no efforts in putting an end to the occupier’s barbaric practices against the Palestinians,” Tarawneh reiterated.