AMMAN —
His Majesty King Abdullah, on Wednesday, at Al-Husseiniya Palace, stressed that
safeguarding and protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem is a
religious and historical duty, according to a Royal Court statement.
اضافة اعلان
At a meeting with
heads of Churches in Jerusalem and Jordan, Christian figures, and Jerusalem
awqaf representatives on the occasion of Christmas, King Abdullah expressed
Jordan’s condemnation of the violations against worshippers in Jerusalem and
other holy sites in the Palestinian Territories.
His Majesty reaffirmed ongoing cooperation
between Jordan and the Palestinians in countering violations against Islamic
and Christian holy sites and properties, noting the Kingdom’s keenness to
highlight the concerns of Jerusalemites and difficulties facing them to the
international community.
At the King
extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Jordan, Palestine, and around the
world.
Greek Orthodox
Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Head of Jerusalem Council of Churches Patriarch
Theophilos III expressed appreciation of His Majesty’s steadfast position
towards promoting peace and harmony, defending Islamic and Christian holy
sites, and supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
“As the heads of
the churches and Christian communities of the Holy Land, we want to assure you
once again of our full support of you in your essential role as the Custodian
of the Christian and Islamic holy places in the Holy Land,” Patriarch
Theophilos III said.
The Patriarch
lauded His Majesty’s role in promoting interfaith harmony and coexistence,
which represent hope and security to all peoples in the region, noting that
Jordan will always remain a beacon of stability, mutual respect, and tolerance.
For his part,
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, addressed
the King, saying “we join our voice with Your Majesty’s voice, in defense of
truth and justice, as an advocate for preserving the status quo, and we strive
with Your Majesty to work for peace and to reach a just solution that
guarantees protection for people and holy places in Jerusalem.”
Jordan has the
respect of Arab countries and the international community due to the King’s
wisdom, the Archbishop added, commending His Majesty’s efforts to maintain
security, create opportunities for youth, and launch political, social and
economic initiatives.
Patriarch
Pizzaballa pointed to the importance of the King’s latest visit to the Vatican
and his meeting with Pope Francis, adding that the visit highlighted bilateral
relations and Jordan’s role in promoting religious dialogue and humanitarian
values.
For his part,
Mustafa Abu Sway, a member of the Jerusalem Awqaf Council and a Professor of
Ghazali Chair, commended His Majesty’s position and his efforts to enhance
coexistence, safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well
as protect the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ in Jordan.
He added that
Muslims are proud of the Christian support they and Al Aqsa Mosque receive
whenever threats are at hand, pledging that Muslims will protect the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher in the same way they protect Al Aqsa Mosque and reaffirming
steadfast support for the Hashemite Custodianship.
Royal Hashemite Court
Chief
Yousef Issawi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi,
Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Awqaf Minister Mohammad
Khalaileh attended the meeting.
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