Amman, June 15 (Petra) -- The Senate's Palestine Committee on Monday discussed the Palestinian issue and conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories with Russian Ambassador to Jordan Gleb F. Desyatnikov, urging more international efforts to advance a just and lasting peace.
Committee Chairman Mazen Darwazah pointed to the long-standing relations between Jordan and Russia based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Kingdom and the former Soviet Union in 1963.
Darwazah noted the close relationship between His Majesty King Abdullah II and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which helped to enhance dialogue and coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.
He also cited Putin's inauguration of the Russian Pilgrims House at the Baptism Site, as a further sign of the deep ties, and underscored Jordan's role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites under the historic Hashemite Custodianship.
Darwazah underscored Moscow's role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and stressed the importance of major powers upholding international legitimacy and international law amid growing global challenges.
On the Palestinian issue, Darwazah said the situation reached a critical stage due to Israeli government policies, warning that continued settlement expansion, land grabs, home demolitions and displacement in the occupied West Bank undermine prospects for peace and a two-state solution.
He also warned against attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and undermine the role of the Jerusalem Awqaf Department and the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites.
Darwazah said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic, referring to ongoing hostilities, restrictions on aid delivery and deteriorating living conditions.
He called for a more effective international role, particularly from Russia, to protect international legitimacy, halt unilateral measures and support a serious political process leading to a comprehensive settlement.
For his part, Desyatnikov said Russia continues to closely monitor developments in the Palestinian territories and the wider region, saying Jordan and Russia saw eye to eye on the Palestinian issue and Middle East affairs.
He said Russia supports a just and comprehensive political settlement based on relevant UN resolutions and international legitimacy, adding that diplomatic solutions are the viable path to ending the conflict, defusing tensions and promoting regional stability.
//Petra// NQ
