Jordan spearheading Arab diplomacy to save Jerusalem

AMMAN — Jordan continued Saturday its efforts led to end the escalation in Jerusalem and prevent further deterioration in the crisis, demanding Israel to cancel all its unilateral acts that come in “blatant violation of its international and legal obligations as the occupying power”, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi discussed the issue with several Arab foreign ministers and senior officials in addition to Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Aboul Gheit, touching on the situation in Jerusalem and ways to address the crisis. One of the approaches discussed was Jordan's call to hold an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers, Petra said. 

Safadi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri stressed in a telephone conversation the need to end the tension by opening Al Aqsa Mosque for worshippers “completely and immediately”. The two officials also discussed the mechanisms to address the crisis and restore calm to the holy city. 

Safadi also discussed efforts to resolve the crisis with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Mohammad Salem Al Sabah, Foreign Minister of Algeria Abdelkader Messahel, Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui, Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita  and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Yemen Abdulmalik Al Mekhlafi.

Safadi also continued coordination with the PLO’s executive committee secretary and chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, and discussed, during a phone call on Saturday, the steps taken to address the crisis, especially the suggested pan-Arab meeting. Safadi and Erekat stressed the need to remove the electronic gates and to reverse all Israel’s measures near Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif.

Safadi briefed his Arab counterparts on the contacts and efforts being exerted by His Majesty King Abdullah, who is the custodian of the Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem, in order to return normalcy to the city, end the escalation and preserve the holy sites.

Safadi continues to coordinate the holding of the ministerial emergency meeting with Aboul Gheit, according to Petra. 

Safadi also received a call from Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis during which they discussed the situation in Jerusalem. 

During the call, Safadi stressed the need for the international community to join forces to restore calm by removing all obstacles that Israel has placed in front of worshippers and their right to freely perform their religious rituals. He stressed the need to take swift action to end the crisis and restore calm, warning of the consequences of tampering with Jerusalem and its holy sites.