Minister Alfano holds a telephone conversation with his Jordanian counterpart

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano, had a telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Jordan, Mulki Ayman Al-Safadi. The conversation focused on the need to ensure that the Status Quo be respected on the Haram al-Sharif-Temple Mount compound and on the tensions that have been escalating in the area these past few days. Minister Alfano reaffirmed Italy’s appreciation and support for the role the Kingdom of Jordan carries out as custodian of the Al Aqsa Mosque and of the other holy sites in Jerusalem. Minister Alfano also underlined that Italy would be willing, if Jordan were to consider it appropriate, to address messages of moderation to all parties concerned. He also expressed his preoccupation for the escalation of violence in the Old City of Jerusalem and in the West Bank.Al-Safadi thanked Alfano and said he shared his concerns over the rising of tensions in a city that historically is important for all monotheistic religions.He then continued to say that Jordan is working to defuse tensions and solve the current crisis.To restore moderation, security and peace in the region, Minister Al-Safadi said it is necessary to ensure the respect of the Status Quo on the Haram al-Sharif-Temple Mount complex. To this end, Israel must cancel the unilateral measures it implemented in the past few days.   
 
Minister Alfano pointed out that Italy shares the call to respect the historical Status Quo on the holy sites in Jerusalem, and, in particular, the Al Aqsa Mosque. Alfano also said he was aware that any change in the Status Quo in the area, and in general in the Old City, could have serious and unpredictable consequences.Minister Alfano spoke about the assurances  Prime Minister Netanyahu gave as to Israel being committed to maintaining the Status Quo in the Holy sites,and said he was hoping concrete actions would follow his words.While sharing his comments fully, al-Safadi thanked Minister Alfano and Italy again for the constant action carried out to promote peace, security and dialogue in the region.