Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 28/12/2015
The European Union stressed the need to respect religious sites in the occupied city of Al-Quds. In a reply letter to the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, the EU stated that it consistently called for the full respect of the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. The letter of the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, addressed to the Secretary General also stressed that any changes could have deeply destabilizing effects. Mogherini added that it is important that all parties adhere to the status quo in both words and practice, and implement it in good faith on the basis of existing agreements and understandings. She also stated that the EU believes that compliance with international humanitarian law and international law, both by states and other actors, including accountability, is a cornerstone for peace and security in the region. Mogherini reassured the OIC Secretary General that EU remains committed to a just and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state vision, including the establishment of an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine. Worth mentioning that reaffirmation of the European Union’s position respecting the holy places came in response to a letter addressed by Madani to the European Commission, the UN Secretary General and the Foreign Ministers of the permanent members of the Security Council, aimed at mobilizing efforts of international community to encounter the Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as its aggression and assaults in Al-Quds Al-SharifRelated: Alquds
