Safadi, Blinken discuss Israeli escalations at Al Aqsa

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Friday discussed the “dangerous” consequences resulting from the Israeli minister of national security’s storming of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif.

In a phone call with his US counterpart, Safadi called for mobilising efforts to preserve the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites and to prevent the inevitable escalation that will worsen if Israeli violations continue, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Safadi said that the region needs “real effort” to find political grounds for resolving the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, instead of more provocative and escalatory measures that attempt to impose extremist agendas and threaten to trigger new cycles of violence.

Safadi underlined the centrality of the leading role that the US plays in its efforts to stop unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution, and in perpetuating calm and putting the peace process on a path towards a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

The foreign minister expressed appreciation for the clear position that the US administration declared regarding the need to respect the historical and legal status quo at holy sites as well as the Hashemite Custodianship over them, and the US’ emphasis on the need to stop unilateral measures that escalate tensions and undermine the two-state solution.

The two officials said that Jordan and the US will continue joint efforts to re-launch serious and effective negotiations to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, as a regional and international necessity.

They also reaffirmed the "strong" partnership between Jordan and the US, and the two countries' keenness to boost cooperation in various fields.

During the phone call, Safadi and Blinken reviewed regional and international issues, as well as efforts exerted to solve crises in the region and instil security and stability. 

Safadi expressed appreciation for US support to Jordan, meant to empower its economic modernisation track and deal with the repercussions of regional crises.

Blinken expressed his country's appreciation of Jordan's role and King Abdullah's efforts to bolster security, stability and peace.