Jordan- Jerusalem's status decided through negotiations only: FM, Mogherini

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Brussels, Dec. 8 (Petra) -- Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman al-Safadi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on Friday affirmed that Jerusalem is a final status issue that can only be decided through negotiations and in accordance with international Legitimacy resolutions.

In a joint press conference, both diplomats underlined the urgent need to contain the repercussions of the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a move Jordan rejects and considers a violation of international law and a serious move that would inflame the passions of Arabs and Muslims across the world.

During the meeting which comes as part of Jordan's effort to limit the ramifications of the U.S. decision, Al-Safadi pointed out that the Israeli occupation is prime cause of tension in the Middle East and that there will be no peace nor security in the region without a just and viable solution that meets the rights of the Palestinians in establishing their state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Mogherini, for her part, expressed concern over the U.S. decision, emphasizing the EU's support of the two-state solution as the only way towards realizing peace.

The European Union's stance, she said, was Jerusalem to be the capital for two states along the 1967 borders.

She commended Jordan's pivotal role in realizing peace and security, thanks to the wisdom of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

The Italian diplomat also affirmed the EU support to Jordan and noted that: "We always have consultations with Jordan and we do trust King Abdullah's wisdom, as he enjoys international support , especially from the EU." Moreover, al-Safadi and Mogherini agreed on the need for further consultations in order to find a political horizon that prevents despair and violence.

They also asserted that Jerusalem remains a sensitive issue for Arabs, Muslims and Christians and warned of any provocative measures.

In this context, the minister condemned the illegal construction of settlements and said all Israeli unilateral measures should be curbed as they attempt to impose new facts on the ground.

King Abdullah, al-Safadi added, is the custodian of the holy Muslim and Christian places in Jerusalem and he continues to exert tireless efforts to protect them.

The minister also met with his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders, and discussed with him the aftermath of the U.S. decision.

The two men emphasized the need to sustain cooperation and coordination to overcome challenges facing the Middle East in order to meet the rights of its people to live in peace and stability.

Reynders said his country backs the two-state solution and expressed concern of Washington's decision.

Al-Safadi continued his contacts with world counterparts, in a bid to consolidate Arab and Muslim stances to contain the consequences of the U.S. decision ahead of Saturday's Arab foreign ministers' meeting and next week's Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit.

The minister spoke over the phone with his Pakistani counterpart, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Omani foreign minister,Yusuf bin Alawi and Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, Saeb Erekat.

He will also deliver a speech tomorrow at the Manama Dialogue on Jerusalem's developments before he leaves for Cairo, Egypt to participate in the meetings of the Council of the League of Arab States, which Jordan called for to discuss the U.S. decision.

YK
8/12/2017 - 07:14:31 PM

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