No resolve to Palestinian issue threatens stability — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has warned that the continued absence of prospects for a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, the Middle East’s central cause, threatens regional and global stability and security. 

In a letter to Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Cheikh Niang on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People marked annually on November 29, King Abdullah also warned that unilateral measures, including land appropriation and violation of international law and human rights, would only fuel conflict and frustration, thus empowering extremism, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty called for stepping up efforts to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, which would achieve just and comprehensive peace, leading to the establishment of the independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, lines with East Jerusalem as its capital — the solution in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

The King reaffirmed that the two-state solution is the only realistic and implementable solution. The alternative is an apartheid state with unequal laws.

His Majesty also stressed Jordan’s commitment to the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting that the entire international community has a responsibility towards safeguarding the holy city.

Jordan will continue working to preserve the Arab identity of Jerusalem and support the steadfastness of Arab Jerusalemites, while countering any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in the holy city, the King added.

 His Majesty underscored the importance of resolving the final status issue of refugees to ensure the right of return and compensation, noting the need to provide support for UNRWA to enable it to continue its humanitarian services and duties towards guaranteeing a decent life for refugees, the statement said.

In the letter, the King also expressed support for the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in its efforts to galvanise international support for the Palestinian cause, commending its role in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.