UAE government has informed envoys of both Israel and Sweden about UAE’s protest against events taking place in Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque and also against the burning of copies of the Holy Quran by extremists in Sweden, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, summoned Amir Hayek, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the UAE, and informed him of the country’s strong protest and denunciation of the events taking place in Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque, including attacks on civilians and incursions into holy places that resulted in the injury of a number of civilians.
She also summoned Swedish ambassador Liselott Andersson, and informed her of the UAE’s protest against the burning of copies of the Holy Quran by extremists in the country.
In her talks with Israeli envoy, Al Hashemy stressed the need to immediately stop the violent incidents, provide full protection for worshipers, respect the right of Palestinians to practice their religious rites, and halt any practices that violate the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque. Moreover, she expressed concern over the escalation of tension that threatens stability and security in the region.
Furthermore, she underscored the need to respect the custodial role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan over the holy sites and endowments in accordance with international law and the historical situation at hand, and not to compromise the authority of the Jerusalem Endowment Administration and Al Aqsa Mosque.
Al Hashemy stressed the need to foster an appropriate environment that would allow a return to serious negotiations aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with legitimate international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Meanwhile, in her talks with the Swedish ambassador, Al Hashemy affirmed the UAE’s rejection of all practices that offend religions, stressing the need to respect religious symbols and avoid incitement and polarisation.
Moreover, Minister Al Hashemy underscored that such practices only lead to more tension and confrontation at a time when the world needs to work together to spread the values of tolerance and coexistence and reject hatred and extremism.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson earlier had also condemned the unrest that has engulfed several cities across the country following anti-Muslim and anti-immigration rallies organised by Danish far-right politician Rasmus Paludan.
Last Thursday, Paludan and his anti-immigration political party scheduled a demonstration that included burning a copy of the Muslim holy book in the Swedish city of Linkoping with the permission of local authorities. The police had to intervene as Muslim counter-protesters stepped in, attacking officers and setting police cars ablaze. According to Andersson, in Linkoping and several other cities, where similar clashes occurred, a total of 44 people have been arrested.
“I will make it very clear, those attacking the Swedish police, attack the Swedish democratic society. The perpetrators must be arrested, prosecuted and serve a sentence in prison,” Andersson said to Aftonbladet newspaper in a letter.
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She claimed being disgusted by Paludan’s hateful views, but stressed that it was “unacceptable, irresponsible and illegal” to respond to them with violence.
“Over the last few days, we witnessed terrible sights in many cities of Sweden. The police officers who wished to celebrate Easter with their families in a peaceful atmosphere were forced to protect laws and freedom of speech, while risking their lives,” Andersson added.
Paludan has the record of spurring massive discontent by publicly burning Quran as a manifestation of his anti-Muslim views. He calls for banning Islam in Denmark and deporting all people of non-Western origin who received shelter in the country.
Israel Prez speaks to Erdogan
Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by phone amid security tensions, the Israeli presidential press office said.
“The telephone call was held in connection with the request of the President of Turkey to speak with President Herzog in the context of security tensions in recent days. The conversation was held in a good and open spirit,” the statement said.
Erdogan expressed “concern and pain” in connection with the events of recent days and stressed that the status quo in holy places is very important for the Muslim world.
