ANKARA (Agencies) - Jordan and Turkey on Wednesday warned Israel that settlements in East Jerusalem threatened peace efforts, amid press reports that Israel is to revive construction plans in the occupied town.
At a joint press conference following a meeting with Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said: “We agreed that unilateral moves in East Jerusalem will harm the peace process because such moves are not only confidence shattering but also illegal,” according to Agence France-Presse.
Judeh was in Ankara to hand a letter from His Majesty King Abdullah to Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
The King reiterated that the challenges facing the region require that Jordan and Turkey maintain close coordination, and extended an invitation to the Turkish president to visit Jordan as soon as possible.
Gul said he is looking forward to visiting Jordan, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
“Israel needs to act with responsibility on the issue of settlers and especially developments in East Jerusalem,” said Davutoglu, quoted by AFP, adding: “If there is genuine will for peace, it is time to openly display it.”
Petra quoted Judeh as saying that the discussions “mainly dealt with regional and international efforts to launch serious and effective negotiations to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, foremost of which is the Palestinian issue, on the basis of the two-state solution, within the framework of a comprehensive, just and durable peace”.
Judeh added that it must be stressed that Israeli settlement policy and all unilateral measures in the Palestinian territories, and specifically in East Jerusalem, are “illegitimate, illegal and rejected and must be stopped immediately” to create a positive climate to launch negotiations.
These measures include house demolitions, Palestinian displacement and excavation works around and under Muslim and Christian holy places, Judeh said, noting the Hashemites’ historic role in defending Jerusalem and safeguarding its holy sites.
Discussions also addressed developments on the domestic Palestinian front, Judeh said. He also underlined the importance of achieving Palestinian national unity as soon as possible as well as Jordan’s support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at this critical stage.
On Iraq, Judeh stressed Jordan’s support for its sovereignty, and the unity of its people and land, saying talks addressed means to support the government in its efforts to secure peace and stability, as well as reconstruction efforts.
Talks also addressed issues that concern the Islamic world, highlighting the efforts exerted by Turkey to clarify the true image of Islam and enhance dialogue among religions and cultures.
“We have agreed on the importance of boosting cooperation between the two countries, in this regard,” Judeh said.
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