Jordan Times
Thursday, August 20, 2009
‘Israel must end illegal
measures in East Jerusalem’
ANKARA (Agencies) - Jordan and Turkey on Wednesday warned Israel that
settlements in East Jerusalem threatened peace efforts, amid press reports that
Israel is to revive construction plans in the occupied town.
At a joint press conference following a meeting with Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said: “We agreed that unilateral moves
in East Jerusalem will harm the peace process because such moves are not only
confidence shattering but also illegal,” according to Agence France-Presse.
Judeh was in Ankara to hand a letter from His Majesty King Abdullah to Turkish
President Abdullah Gul.
The King reiterated that the challenges facing the region require that Jordan
and Turkey maintain close coordination, and extended an invitation to the
Turkish president to visit Jordan as soon as possible.
Gul said he is looking forward to visiting Jordan, according to the Jordan News
Agency, Petra.
“Israel needs to act with responsibility on the issue of settlers and especially
developments in East Jerusalem,” said Davutoglu, quoted by AFP, adding: “If
there is genuine will for peace, it is time to openly display it.”
Petra quoted Judeh as saying that the discussions “mainly dealt with regional
and international efforts to launch serious and effective negotiations to
resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, foremost of which is the Palestinian issue,
on the basis of the two-state solution, within the framework of a comprehensive,
just and durable peace”.
Judeh added that it must be stressed that Israeli settlement policy and all
unilateral measures in the Palestinian territories, and specifically in East
Jerusalem, are “illegitimate, illegal and rejected and must be stopped
immediately” to create a positive climate to launch negotiations.
These measures include house demolitions, Palestinian displacement and
excavation works around and under Muslim and Christian holy places, Judeh said,
noting the Hashemites’ historic role in defending Jerusalem and safeguarding its
holy sites.
Discussions also addressed developments on the domestic Palestinian front, Judeh
said. He also underlined the importance of achieving Palestinian national unity
as soon as possible as well as Jordan’s support for Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas at this critical stage.
On Iraq, Judeh stressed Jordan’s support for its sovereignty, and the unity of
its people and land, saying talks addressed means to support the government in
its efforts to secure peace and stability, as well as reconstruction efforts.
Talks also addressed issues that concern the Islamic world, highlighting the
efforts exerted by Turkey to clarify the true image of Islam and enhance
dialogue among religions and cultures.
“We have agreed on the importance of boosting cooperation between the two
countries, in this regard,” Judeh said.