‘Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital irreversible Jordanian stance’

AMMAN — Jordan on Tuesday reaffirmed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital on the basis of the two-state solution is the only path towards a comprehensive and lasting peace.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said in a statement following the announcement of the US peace vision that the national interests of Jordan and its established and unwavering positions and principles towards the Palestinian issue governs the way the government deals with all proposals and initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict.

Reiterating the centrality of the Palestinian cause, Safadi noted that Jordan will coordinate with Palestine and other Arab countries in addressing future developments with Arab consensus. He noted the importance of the extraordinary meeting of the Arab League foreign ministers on Saturday in this regard.

Safadi warned against the dangerous  consequences of unilateral Israeli measures, such as the annexation of Palestinian lands, the building and expansion of illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian lands and encroachments on the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, that aim at imposing new realities on the ground. 

He stressed that Jordan condemns such measures as a violation of international law and provocative actions that will push the area towards more conflict and tension.

The foreign minister said that in implementation of the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Custodian of Muslim and Christians Holy Sites in Jerusalem will continue to dedicate all its resources to protect Jerusalem and its holy sites, preserve the historical and legal status quo and protect their Muslim, Christian identity. 

Safadi said the achievement of a just and lasting peace that meets all legitimate rights of the Palestinian people is a strategic Jordanian, Palestinian and Arab choice, and that Jordan will continue to work with Arab countries and the international community for realising peace that will be lasting, just and people will accept.

Safadi added: “Jordan supports every genuine effort aimed at achieving just and comprehensive peace that people will accept, and stressed the urgency of launching serious and direct negotiations that solve all final status issues within a comprehensive solution in accordance with established terms of reference, the Arab peace initiative and international law.” 

He said that such a peace is a necessity for the security and stability of the region.

The foreign minister also said the Kingdom seeks “a true, just peace on the basis of the two-state solution that ends the occupation that began in 1967, preserves the rights of the Palestinian people, guarantees the security of all sides, and protects the interests of Jordan, including these related to final status issues”.