VATICAN, December 19, 2017 (WAFA) - King Abdullah II and Pope Francis Tuesday discussed developments related to the city of Jerusalem in the wake of the United States‘ decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and transfer its embassy to it.

The meeting tackled the consequences of the US decision, and the resulting provocation of the feelings of Muslims and Christians in the region and around the world.

King Abdullah affirmed the need to continue to respect the historical and religious status of Jerusalem and reiterated Jordan’s historical and religious role to protect the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, based on Jordan’s guardianship over these holy sites, in order to preserve the identity of the city of Jerusalem as a symbol of peace.

He stressed the need to intensify efforts to protect the rights of the Palestinian people, Muslims and Christians in the city of Jerusalem, which is the key to achieving peace and stability in the region.

The king stressed that the recent US decision violates international law and resolutions of the international community, that the status of Jerusalem must be settled within the framework of a comprehensive solution to achieve the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security alongside Israel.

For his part, His Holiness Pope Francis, who expressed his concern about the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, stressed that Jerusalem is a unique and holy city for the followers of the three religions.

He called for respecting the status quo in Jerusalem, in line with the relevant UN resolutions, and to avoid further violence and tension.

M.H.