AMMAN (JT) - His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday reiterated his support for efforts exerted by Arab Christians to protect holy sites, their rights and the Arab identity of Jerusalem.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah and Bishop Fouad Twal, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Patriarch Sabbah, the most senior Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, announced in March this year that he will retire as he has reached the age of 75, and be replaced by Bishop Twal, who has assisted him since 2005.
Twal, who was born on October 23, 1940 of a Christian family in Jordan, is scheduled to take over the post on June 22.
At yesterday's meeting, King Abdullah highlighted the importance of supporting Palestinians in Jerusalem, boosting their steadfastness and helping them overcome their challenges and difficult living conditions.
The Monarch said preserving the Arab identity of Jerusalem and supporting the people of the holy city is a top priority that requires us all to exert more efforts.
He also commended the efforts exerted by Patriarch Sabbah over the years in support of the Palestinian issue and of fostering the presence of Arab Christians in the holy city.
Sabbah was named Latin patriarch of Jerusalem by Pope John Paul II in 1987, becoming the first Palestinian to hold the position since the Crusades.
In a statement to Jordan Television (JTV), the patriarch said he was honoured to meet with King Abdullah on the day that marks the anniversary of his accession to the Throne and expressed his best wishes to the Monarch.
He also voiced hope that efforts to achieve peace in the region will continue.
In his last pastoral letter dated March 1, 2008, Patriarch Sabbah said: "Like all Palestinians, we are victims of the occupation. Like all Palestinians, we have to pay the price in order to again find our political and economic freedom as well as in some ways, our religious freedom where access to the holy places and to Jerusalem itself is concerned."
He called for a "nonviolent resistance" that would lead Israel and the Palestinians to enjoy their freedom, sovereignty and security.
In his statement to JTV, Sabbah said he will entrust Twal with his mission before the end of this month, in accordance with church tradition.
Referring to the expansion of Saint Mary's Hospital in Jerusalem, Sabbah explained that it will include the establishment of a maternity ward, pointing out that the hospital, built in 1880, serves both Muslims and Christians in the city.
He also voiced appreciation of the King's support for the hospital, underlining the Jordanian role in building Palestine and working to achieve peace.
Meanwhile, Twal referred to the situation in the Palestinian territories, noting the many challenges and difficulties in the West Bank.
He said the Monarch affirmed during the meeting that "we are not alone" in this, adding that "we were reassured after our meeting with the King".
HRH Prince Ghazi, the King's special adviser and personal envoy, and Royal Court Chief Bassem Awadallah attended the meeting.
Ambassadors present credentials
Also on Monday, His Majesty received the credentials of six newly appointed ambassadors.
They are Lebanon's Sharbel Aoun, Nigeria's Abdullahi Buba Gwary, Turkey's Ali Koprulu, Ukraine's Malko Youri, Vietnam's Doa Thanh Chung and Chad's El-Haj Mahmoud Adji.
The ambassadors laid wreaths on the tombs of Their Majesties the late King Hussein, the late King Abdullah I and the late King Talal.
Awadallah and Minister of Foreign Affairs Salah Bashir were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
© Jordan Times 2008
