Non-Aligned Movement ‘backs Jordan custodianship over Jerusalem shrines’

AMMAN — Jordan is committed to its deep-rooted stances regarding the enhancement of international peace and security and spreading stability to the entire world, Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani said on Thursday.

In his speech at the ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, which is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Momani said that the Kingdom's policy has been and will continue to be based on spreading tolerance and cooperation with the international community.

He added that Jordan also refuses to interfere in others' affairs and supports programmes and policies that seek to enhance progress and peace among all nations, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Momani is heading the Kingdom’s delegation to a two-day meeting held with the participation of 120 member states, 17 non-member states, and 10 international organisations as observers, in addition to 800 participants. 

IN his remarks, he reiterated Jordan’s unaltered stance towards the Palestinian issue, stressing that it remains the central cause in the region, and the main reason for conflict and tension in the Middle East.

In this regard, he stressed that there is no other way to end conflicts and chaos in the region without ending injustice and occupation in Palestine, highlighting that this is a prerequisite to achieve regional and international security and stability.

Momani called for more cooperation to launch serious efforts to revive the peace process and place pressure to start real negotiations within a scheduled timetable to realise the two-state solution and establish a fully sovereign independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the pre-1967 borders. 

He underlined that Jerusalem remains a final status issue that cannot be resolved except through a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, noting that the future of the city is only decided through direct negotiations and that any unilateral acts taken regarding this issue are clear provocation to the feelings of all Muslims and Christians worldwide.

As for the US decision recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the minister underscored that the Kingdom will continue its efforts with international stakeholders to mitigate the repercussions of the move.

Jordan, under the historical Hashemite custodianship over Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, will continue to stand up to all attempts to change the status quo of these holy shrines, he highlighted.

The minister added that the Kingdom would also use all legal and diplomatic tools to counter Israeli attempts to alter the Islamic and Christian Arab character of the city. 

He also expressed Jordan’s appreciation for all member states for their support of Hashemite custodianship, which will be listed in the final statement of the meeting, Petra said.

Meanwhile, Momani underscored the need of going on with financial support to UNRWA to enable it to continue providing its services, calling for more support and efforts to help the agency overcome its financial crisis.

Regarding the Syrian crisis, the minister renewed Jordan’s commitment to support international diplomatic efforts seeking peace in Syria, highlighting the need to execute all UN Security Council resolutions, the most recent of which is Resolution 2401, to spare the Syrian people more destruction, suffering and bloodshed.

He noted that Jordan highly appreciates what several countries and organisations have offered to address the crisis, yet it has to be acknowledged that this support does not equal what Jordan bore, adding that repercussions of the crisis affected host communities and negatively reflected on economic and development aspects. 

Momani reaffirmed that Jordan has been and remains a main supporter and strategic partner in the war on terrorism, adding that the Kingdom has always called for adopting an international joint approach that results in eliminating terrorism.

On the sidelines of the conference, Momani met with President of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak, according to Petra.

During the meeting, Momani stressed the effectiveness of pluralism principle in the global action.

He underscored Jordan’s support for negotiations related to proposed international pacts on refugees and immigrants.

For his part, Lajcak expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s efforts within the UN framework.

He invited Jordan to take part in the conference that will be held by the assembly in May, which will discuss youth affairs and fighting radicalism.

Momani also met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov over bilateral ties and regional developments.

He stressed the “deep rooted” relations between the two countries, stressing keenness on boosting cooperation in various fields.

Mammadyarov confirmed his country’s eagerness to increase cooperation in tourism, noting Azeri people’s interest visiting Jordan, especially the Dead Sea and other sites. 

A similar meeting was held with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, during which they discussed Jordan’s pivotal role in defending Jerusalem and its people.