AMMAN, Apr 21 (NNN-PETRA) – Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, yesterday discussed efforts to prevent further escalation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, with a visiting U.S. delegation, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said.
Safadi stressed the importance for Israel to respect the historical and legal status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and stop all procedures that undermine it.
The U.S. delegation commended Jordan’s role, based on the Hashemite Custodianship, reaffirming the U.S. stance that calls for respecting the historical status quo in Jerusalem.
Also yesterday, Safadi and Irish Foreign Minister, Simon Coveney, discussed means to stop the escalation and restore comprehensive calm.
Tension between Israel and the Palestinians flared up in the West Bank and East Jerusalem over the past three weeks, as the Jewish festival of Passover overlap with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, located in Jerusalem, is a site holy to both Muslims and Jews, the latter of whom call it the Temple Mount.– NNN-PETRA
