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FM takes part in extraordinary Arab League ministerial session

By JT - Feb 09,2021 - Last updated at Feb 09,2021

A handout photo released by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (centre) meeting with his counterparts, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and Iraq's Fouad Hussein at Al Tahrir Palace in Cairo on Monday (AFP photo)

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Monday participated in the extraordinary ministerial session of the Arab League Council held at a joint invitation from the Kingdom and Egypt to discuss the Arab situation and support the Palestinian cause.

In the Kingdom’s speech at the session, Safadi stressed the centrality of the Palestinian cause, and that a just and lasting peace is a condition for the demise of the occupation, noting that occupation and peace are opposites that do not meet, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Violations aiming to change the status quo in Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and to change their Arab, Islamic and Christian identity are a violation of international law, and a provocation to the feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims and Christians, Safadi said.

He underlined that Jordan continues to devote all its capabilities to the protection of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in implementation of the directives of their Custodian, His Majesty King Abdullah.

Safadi highlighted the pressing need of relaunching initiatives and restoring leadership in approaching regional crises, which the Arabs are paying the heaviest price for.

He called for relaunching “serious and effective” negotiations to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestine, living in peace alongside Israel, with Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital on the lines of June 4, 1967.

Calling for mobilising the international community to confront Israel with its measures that deny the region its right to a just and comprehensive peace, the Jordanian foreign minister described the Israeli settlements as a “flagrant violation” that “kills” the two-state solution which comes in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, land-for-peace notion and the Arab Peace Initiative.

“Unless Palestinians obtain their right to full equality, the world will face the inhumanity of a racist apartheid system that births catastrophic consequences,” he added.

Safadi also voiced the Kingdom’s support to Palestinian reconciliation, expressing appreciation towards Egypt’s role in ensuring its success.

“We affirm the need to continue providing financial and political support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to proceed with providing vital services to refugees according to its UN mandate,” Safadi added.

Amid exacerbating challenges, there is a growing necessity for increasing coordination and collaboration among Arab nations, enhancing the performance of the Arab League and developing its economic, health, scientific and social institutions to achieve common interests, he noted.

“Syria is still a wound that bleeds in ruins,” Safadi said, noting that all previous approaches failed to solve the crisis and protect Syria and its people.

He called for preserving the unity of Syria, restoring its security, stability and role in the region, rid it of terrorism and foreign intervention and creating conditions for the voluntary return of refugees.

Concerning the Iraqi status quo, the Iraqi government must be supported “in its journey of rebuilding, securing stability and regaining sovereignty”, he said.

“Gulf security is a pillar of Arab national security,” Safadi stressed, expressing the desire of Arabs to end the tension with Iran, which can be materialised by ceasing intervention in the internal affairs of Arab countries, rebuilding healthy regional relations based on cooperation and the principle of good neighbourliness.

Amid all these challenges, signs of a positive détente emerged in Libya, represented by the election of the executive authority during the dialogue conference in Geneva, he said.

Supporting these efforts and ensuring Libya's restoration of its stability, ridding it of foreign interference, and the exit of all foreign forces from it, is also a necessity that requires effective Arab action, he noted.

In regard to the Yemeni crisis, the Riyadh Agreement is a landmark step towards a solution, Safadi said, pointing to the necessity of its implementation.

“The reconciliation achieved by the Al Ula summit is an achievement we value, which will greatly contribute to strengthening Arab solidarity and our collective action in the service of our interests,” Safadi concluded.

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