Cabinet, foreign envoys briefed on Jerusalem situation

AMMAN — Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi and Awqaf Minister Wael Arabiyat on Wednesday briefed the Council of Ministers on the latest developments in Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Hram Al Sharif in light of provocative Israeli measures.

During a meeting at the Prime Ministry, the Cabinet stressed the importance of supporting His Majesty King Abdullah's efforts that led to reopening the mosque, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Hani Mulki, the council reiterated Jordan’s stand that calls for restoring calm at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and preventing escalation of violence at the holy shrine.

The Cabinet said that the Israeli attempts to impose new status quos constitute a breach of its legal and international commitments as the occupying force and undermines efforts to ensure peace and stability in the holy city.

Jordan is making efforts at all levels to restore calm and resume serious peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis to reach an inclusive and a just solution in accordance with the international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, which is agreed by the two-thirds of the world and supports the two-state solution including the issues of Jerusalem, refugees, borders, security and water. 

In a related development, Safadi on Wednesday discussed with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi efforts under way to restore calm at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif. During a phone call, Safadi and Marsudi stressed the importance of avoiding escalation and bringing back calm in Jerusalem.

He stressed that any Israeli measure that targets holy places would provoke Muslims all over the world. Marsudi praised Jordan’s efforts under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, who is the custodian of the Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem, in solving the crisis in accordance with the international law.   

Earlier in the day, the top diplomat held two separate meetings with ambassadors of the European community and Asian countries in Jordan to discuss the situation in Jerusalem  

Safadi demanded that Israel respect the historic and legal status quo of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, and cease all its actions that violate its legal and international obligations as the occupying power.

 He said a positive Israeli response to such demands was key to restoring calm in the holy places Petra, reported on Wednesday. 

Safadi stressed that ending the tension is in the hands of Israel. Thus, Israel must immediately open Al Aqsa Mosque completely and without placing any obstacles. He added that the Kingdom would continue efforts to return normalcy in the holy city.