JORDAN TIMES

Vincent Fean, British consulate general in Occupied Jerusalem, walks with Palestinian Paralympians from the Gaza Strip past Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock mosque during his visit to Al Aqsa mosque compound on Monday (AFP photo)

The Monarch, during a meeting yesterday with Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova, discussed the Israeli unilateral measures in the Palestinian territories, especially at Jerusalem’s holy places, stressing the importance of activating international and humanitarian laws to address the Israeli measures and protect the cultural heritage of Jerusalem, the statement said.

The King also highlighted the symbolic value of Jerusalem for the followers of the monotheistic and Abrahamic religions, underlying the importance of the Israeli authorities’ abidance by the international law to enable Jordan to carry out its mission of preserving the Old City of Jerusalem, including maintenance works at Al Aqsa Mosque, Magharbeh Gate, the Marwani Mosque and Al Haram Al Sharif, which, he noted, are all hindered by Israel, the statement said.

His Majesty also expressed his deep concerns over the ongoing Israeli excavations under the Old City of Jerusalem, especially at Al Aqsa Mosque.

Turning to the role of UNESCO, the Monarch expressed appreciation for the organisation’s efforts to safeguard global peace, achieve comprehensive development, preserve the world’s scientific, cultural and natural heritage and empowering woman.

He expressed Jordan’s keenness on enhancing cooperation with the international agency in various fields, the statement said.

For her part, Bokova emphasised Jordan’s special and historic role in protecting Jerusalem and providing UNESCO with documented reports on the violations of international laws in the holy city, the statement said.

Bokova also voiced appreciation for Jordan’s support of UNESCO’s activities, noting that the Kingdom is considered a model of development and modernisation despite its limited natural resources, the statement said.

In 1981, Jordan inscribed the “Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls” on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and on the international organisation’s List of World Heritage in Danger in 1982.

HRH Princess Dana, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Minister of Education Fayez Saudi and the King’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury attended the meeting, according to the statement.

Also on Monday, Judeh and Saudi held separate meetings with Bokova during which they discussed means to enhance cooperation between Jordan and UNESCO.