Amman, Dec. 14 (Petra) -- Jordan's relationship with the United Nations has, for decades, placed the Palestinian cause, particularly the status of Jerusalem, at the center of its diplomatic engagement with the international community, according to a senior Jordanian official.
Secretary-General of the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs, Abdullah Tawfiq Kanaan, said that since Jordan joined the United Nations on December 14, 1955, defending the rights of the Palestinian people has remained a consistent and defining pillar of Jordanian foreign policy, pursued through sustained diplomatic efforts at all UN levels.
Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on the anniversary of the Kingdom’s accession to the UN, Kanaan said that under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan continues to mobilize international support through UN institutions and mechanisms to highlight the humanitarian and political realities facing Palestinians.
He reiterated Jordan’s call for the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Kanaan noted that Jordan’s active engagement within the UN framework has contributed to the adoption of numerous resolutions and advisory opinions related to Palestine and Jerusalem across key bodies, including the UN Security Council, the General Assembly, UNESCO, and the International Court of Justice.
He described these outcomes as significant diplomatic achievements that have strengthened international recognition of Palestinian statehood, reinforced demands for the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions, and addressed Israeli settlement activity and occupation practices.
He added that Jordan’s efforts have also played a role in safeguarding Jerusalem’s historical and cultural identity, including the inscription of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Kanaan highlighted the role of royal diplomacy, noting that the initiatives and speeches delivered by King Abdullah II, who holds the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, have consistently articulated a principled stance in defense of Palestine and Jerusalem while promoting values of peace, coexistence, and stability.
Several of these initiatives have received formal UN endorsement, he said, reflecting international confidence in Jordan’s approach. Among them are UN General Assembly Resolution 65/5 (2010) establishing the World Interfaith Harmony Week, and UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace, and Security.
Addressing current developments, Kanaan stressed the need for the international community to intensify support for Jordan-led diplomatic efforts within the UN system, including applying pressure on Israel to comply with international law and UN resolutions. He cited continued violations against Palestinian civilians, land, and institutions, as well as attacks on UN facilities, including those of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
Kanaan concluded by reaffirming that Jordan remains firmly committed to its UN-centered approach advocating peace, justice, and the protection of human rights, including the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, despite mounting challenges.
//Petra// RZ
