Bahrain calls for calm, condemns Israeli police aggression in Al Aqsa

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain yesterday condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli police as a “provocation to Muslims, especially in the Holy Month of Ramadan” and called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in calming the situation. “It is important to respect the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Haram Al-Sharif,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement rejecting the “acts of violence, injury and arrest of dozens of worshipers.”

There is a “need to respect the role of Jordan in caring for sanctities and endowments following international law and the existing historical context,” the ministry stressed. The ministry further affirmed the need to stop any provocative measures that would fuel violence, religious hatred, extremism and instability. Bahrain’s statement urged the international community to assume its responsibilities in calming the situation and expanding prospects for a just and comprehensive peace process based on the principle of the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Foreign Ministry stressed Kingdom’s unequivocal stance in support of the right of the Palestinian people, following the resolutions of international legitimacy. Meanwhile, in a statement to The Daily Tribune yesterday, the UN Secretary-General expressed deep concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in Jerusalem.

“Provocations on the Holy Esplanade must stop now to prevent further escalation, said Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, calling on leaders on all sides to help calm the situation. He reiterated his call for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld and respected. The Secretary-General said the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is in close contact with key regional partners and the parties to calm the situation.

The Secretary-General also reiterated his commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements. In a statement, US spokesperson Ned Price also expressed deep concerns about the violence in Jerusalem. “We call on all sides to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount,” Price said.