Jordan's Abdullah: We reject threats to our holy places and the Arab character of Jerusalem
Monarch makes comments to UN General Assembly amid tensions over Temple Mount.
By DANIELLE ZIRIUpdated: SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 01:32Jordan's King Abdullah addresses UN General Assembly(photo credit: REUTERS)
NEW YORK – The hope for a future peaceful world is severely threatened by “the outlaws of Islam that operate globally today,” Jordan’s King Abdullah told the UN General Assembly on Monday.“They target religious differences, hoping to kill cooperation and compassion among the billions of people, of all faiths and communities, who live side by side in our many countries,” he said. “These outlaw gangs use suspicion and ignorance to expand their own power.”The struggle against Islamic State, which he described as “a third world war,” was the central theme of the monarch’s speech.He called for “global collective action on all fronts,” and laid out seven suggested steps towards eradicating the terrorists.Among these steps, Abdullah stressed the need for the countries to “go back to basics” and be reminded of its “deep values of love, peace, justice and compassion,” to change their tones and eliminate violence, fear and anger from their discourse, to “act upon their beliefs” and “amplify the voice of moderation.”“Ladies and gentlemen, by gathering here today, we acknowledge that the power of working together far exceeds any individual effort,” he said.“This great General Assembly must address urgent world issues: sustainable, inclusive development that can deliver more opportunity, especially to young people, and peaceful political solutions to regional crises.”The monarch said it is the world’s obligation to find solutions and provide relief for the millions of refugees in the Middle East, including Palestinian refugees.“Today, we are haunted by the images of thousands of refugees on the shores and borders of Europe seeking hope far away from their homeland,” he said. “In Jordan, we have been faced with this challenge since the beginning of the Syrian crisis.”Abdullah also mentioned the recent tensions and violent clashes on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, saying Jordan condemns any disturbances at Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian holy sites.
“The Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian sites is a sacred duty,” he told the General Assembly.“We join Muslims and Christians everywhere in rejecting threats to the Arab character of this holy city,” he said.