King, in letter to committee on Palestinians’ inalienable rights, says there can be no regional peace as long as occupation continues

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has sent a letter to Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Cheikh Niang, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, marked annually on 29 November.

In the letter, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s unwavering position in support of the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinians, especially their right to self-determination and establishing their independent, sovereign, and viable state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the two-state solution and in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty said Jordan will continue its efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, under the Hashemite Custodianship, while supporting the steadfastness of Jerusalemites and preserving the historical and legal status quo in the holy city.

There can be no peace in the region as long as the occupation continues, the King noted, stressing the need to step up efforts to break the stalemate in the peace process and support measures to rebuild trust and prevent escalations and any violations that could undermine peace prospects, such as illegal Israeli settlement activities, the appropriation of land, the demolition of homes, and the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes.

His Majesty said the international community must support the Palestinian Authority to enable it to undertake its duties and responsibilities towards the Palestinian people and to support the prospects of peace.

The King stressed the importance of providing all means of support to sustain the work of UNRWA, in accordance with its UN mandate, until a just and comprehensive solution that addresses all final status issues is reached, safeguarding Palestinian rights in line with UN resolutions, foremost of which is Resolution 194, and ensuring the right of return and compensation to Palestinian refugees.

Also in the letter, His Majesty expressed appreciation of the committee’s efforts in defence of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.