Jordan restates Jerusalem stand in Rabat, Brussels

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) Jordan on Wednesday called for firm and effective Arab and international efforts to stop Israel's unilateral measures in Jerusalem, which seek to alter the historical and cultural identity of the holy city.

Addressing the Jerusalem Forum, held yesterday in Rabat, Morocco, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh underlined that world peace is at stake, urging the international community to step forward and stop the Israeli illegal actions in the city, particularly against Islamic and Christian holy sites, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Judeh added that while international and regional efforts are being exerted to relaunch serious and effective Palestinian-Israeli negotiations to bring about peace and stability in the Middle East, Israel continues to carry out illegitimate settlement activities in occupied Arab territories, especially in East Jerusalem.

Highlighting the ramifications of the continued Israeli violations against the holy city, the minister underlined that the "Judaisation" policy being carried out by the right-wing extremist Israeli government challenges the international community in a way that opens the door for dangerous possibilities.

Judeh noted that Jerusalem today acts like a safety valve for the entire region, stressing that the escalating Israeli "provocations" will inflame the feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims and Christians worldwide and will have catastrophic consequences for the entire world.

Judeh on Wednesday participated in the meeting of the Quartet on the Middle East, which convened in Morocco with the participation of Egypt, the Palestinian National Authority, Turkey and Senegal, which currently chairs the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Also Wednesday, Jordan's Ambassador to the EU Ahmad Masaadeh stressed that Jordan considers Jerusalem a red line, and expressed the Kingdom's strong condemnation of continued Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city, Petra reported.

Addressing senior officials of the Union for the Mediterranean at the EU Council in Brussels, the ambassador explained that Jordan categorically rejects these violations, including the entrance of Jewish extremists and Israeli police into Al Aqsa Mosque compound, the closure of Al Haram Al Sharif and continued excavations around and under the site.

He stressed that Israel's transgressions against the holy sites are in violation of international law, including resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, the Fourth Geneva Convention and rulings of the International Court of Justice.

Masaadeh called on the EU to take an immediate and firm stance against Israel's unilateral measures in Jerusalem and violations of international laws and conventions.

Judeh and Masaadeh's statements came after an incursion by Israeli police into Al Aqsa Mosque compound sparked confrontations with protesters on Sunday, drawing strong condemnation from the government.

Judeh on Sunday made contact with several foreign ministers of Arab, Muslim and neighboring countries to intensify efforts to adopt a firm, clear and immediate international position to stop Israel's dangerous and provocative actions in the holy city of Jerusalem.