Amman, Aug. 6 (Petra) – Speaker of the Lower House of Representatives, Mazen Qadi, affirmed His Majesty King Abdullah II's talks with the Arab Ministerial Committee, in presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, reflects the continued "active" Jordanian efforts to defend Jerusalem's Islamic and Christian holy sites, and strengthen the "unified" Arab position in countering escalating Israeli policies.

In a press statement on Thursday, Qadi said His Majesty's call for orchestrating Arab and Islamic efforts to stop illegal Israeli measures in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque sends a "clear" political and legal message for the international community to assume its responsibilities to protect sanctities and end attacks, aimed at altering the holy city's existing historical and legal status quo.

Qadi noted the House "firmly" supports His Majesty's efforts aimed at preserving Palestinian rights and defending Jerusalem.

He affirmed the Israeli government's continued provocative policies and attempts to impose a new reality in Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound constitute a flagrant violation of international law and UN resolutions and undermine prospects for achieving peace and stability in the region.

On its future vision, he stated the House will continue its efforts and contacts with Arab, Islamic, regional and international parliaments and unions to garner parliamentary support to confront Israeli violations and push for "effective" world measures that compel Israel to respect international law and cease its attacks on the Palestinian people and their holy sites.

In its entirety, Qadi said Al-Aqsa Mosque/Haram al-Sharif is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims.

He added that Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the sole legally mandated body to manage its affairs.

He noted Jordan, under the King's leadership, will remain at the forefront of defending Jerusalem and its holy sites.

The House, he said, will continue to support all political and diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, mainly establishment of their independent state on their national soil.

//Petra// AG