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UN Mid-east envoy urges respect for Jerusalems holy sites

by IBNS 14 Sep 2015, 07:43 am

New York, Sept 14 (IBNS): The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process voiced concern at Sundays provocations and violence in and around the holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem and urged respect for the sanctity of the area ahead of the upcoming Jewish and Muslim holy days.

The appeal comes in the wake of reported clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli police at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque compound earlier today.

“I urge all to do their part in ensuring that visitors and worshippers demonstrate restraint and respect for the sanctity of the area,” Nickolay Mladenov said in a statement issued in Jerusalem.

He added, “Political and religious leaders have a responsibility to act against extremists, who undermine the rule of law. I encourage all to stand firmly against incitement and violence, especially during the sensitive period of the Jewish High Holy Days and ahead of the Muslim Eid al-Adha.”

Mladenov also took note of the statement by the Prime Minister of Israel that the status quo at the sites will be maintained.

Photo: UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz