AMMAN, January 17, 2010 (WAFA)- Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh reiterated that East Jerusalem remains part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Jordan Time reported on Sunday.

He also renewed Jordan’s rejection of Israeli practices that threaten the Arab Islamic identity of the Holy City and holy places there.

“We reject all unilateral Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, such as the demolition of homes, the expulsion of Palestinian citizens and the continued settlement activity, which must stop immediately as it threatens the peace efforts,” Judeh said at a joint press conference Saturday with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who arrived in the Kingdom yesterday on a one-day visit.

Judeh said what is needed is to establish a viable Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders, within the framework of a comprehensive regional solution in accordance with international resolutions.

He said his talks with his Norwegian counterpart focused on bilateral relations and the peace process, adding that the government appreciates the support and efforts of Norway in making peace in the Middle East.

“In Jordan, we appreciate the involvement and support of Norway in making peace in the region, which extends back many years. Norway has a long history of supporting the peace process in the region, the Palestinian people and UNRWA,” the minister added.

Judeh said he discussed with the Norwegian top diplomat the efforts being exerted to launch serious negotiations on the basis of a two-state solution, international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, to ensure the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Støre said that his visit to Jordan comes as part of a regional tour that includes Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian territories, where he will discuss with officials efforts to resume negotiations, adding that he briefed Judeh on the results of his recent talks with US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell in Brussels.

“The coming few months will be crucial and important for the resumption of negotiations with regard to a peaceful path. Norway hopes to see an end to the Israeli occupation this year and the establishment of a Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil,” the official said.