Jordan Times
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Jordan stresses Palestinians’
right to East Jerusalem
By Hani Hazaimeh
AMMAN - Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh on Saturday reiterated that
East Jerusalem remains part of the occupied Palestinian territories.
He also renewed Jordan’s rejection of Israeli practices that threaten the Arab
Islamic identity of the Holy City and holy places there.
“We reject all unilateral Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territory,
including East Jerusalem, such as the demolition of homes, the expulsion of
Palestinian citizens and the continued settlement activity, which must stop
immediately as it threatens the peace efforts,” Judeh said at a joint press
conference Saturday with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who
arrived in the Kingdom yesterday on a one-day visit.
Judeh said what is needed is to establish a viable Palestinian state on the
basis of the 1967 borders, within the framework of a comprehensive regional
solution in accordance with international resolutions.
He said his talks with his Norwegian counterpart focused on bilateral relations
and the peace process, adding that the government appreciates the support and
efforts of Norway in making peace in the Middle East.
“In Jordan, we appreciate the involvement and support of Norway in making peace
in the region, which extends back many years. Norway has a long history of
supporting the peace process in the region, the Palestinian people and UNRWA,”
the minister added.
Judeh said he discussed with the Norwegian top diplomat the efforts being
exerted to launch serious negotiations on the basis of a two-state solution,
international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, to ensure the
establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East
Jerusalem as its capital.
Støre said that his visit to Jordan comes as part of a regional tour that
includes Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian territories, where he will discuss
with officials efforts to resume negotiations, adding that he briefed Judeh on
the results of his recent talks with US Special Envoy to the Middle East George
Mitchell in Brussels.
“The coming few months will be crucial and important for the resumption of
negotiations with regard to a peaceful path. Norway hopes to see an end to the
Israeli occupation this year and the establishment of a Palestinian state on
Palestinian national soil,” the official said.