Amman, July 22 (Petra) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Wednesday welcomed the unanimous resolution by the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) related to Old Jerusalem.
During UNESCO's 48th session held in Busan, Republic of S. Korea, the resolution maintains the status of Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to Israeli actions that threaten the cultural heritage of the Old City and alter its status quo.
In a statement, the ministry's official spokesperson, Fouad Majali, stated the step affirms illegality and illegitimacy of Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites, the worshippers' rights, freedom of worship, and unrestricted access to holy sites.
The ministry also condemns interference in the jurisdiction of Jordan-run Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which is affiliated with Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and projects and excavations that affect the cultural heritage and character of the Old City.
Majali noted the step underlines necessity of preserving Jerusalem's existing historical and legal status quo and its holy sites, and safeguarding the heritage of the city.
Furthermore, he noted the move reiterates UNESCO resolutions, which all expressed regret over Israel's failure, as the occupying power, to halt excavation, tunneling operations, and all other activities in East Jerusalem.
He said the step also addresses Israel's refusal to implement UNESCO's request to appoint a permanent representative based in East Jerusalem to submit regular reports on all aspects falling within UNESCO's areas of competence in East Jerusalem.
The resolution underscores the urgent need to implement UNESCO's interactive monitoring mission to the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls, he pointed out.
Majali affirmed that all Israeli measures aimed at altering the Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity of occupied Jerusalem and changing its historical and legal status quo are null, void and illegitimate.
He demanded Israel, the occupying power, to cease all its violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites, which contravene international law and undermine efforts toward a two-state solution and achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
Majali added that the adoption of the resolution was due to "intensive" Jordanian diplomatic efforts, coordinated between the Kingdom, the State of Palestine, and the Arab and Islamic groups within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
This effort, he noted, underscores Jordan's "unwavering" position regarding the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls, including its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
//Petra// AG
