News by email Donate

Suggestions

Mike-Pence-main_article_image.jpg
PA
World News

Jordan urges Christian US Vice President to 'rebuild trust' after Jerusalem move

by Press Association

The call follows the fallout from the Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Mr Pence, in turn, tried to reassure the monarch that the Trump administration remains committed to restarting Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts and views Jordan as a central player.

The vice president also said that "the United States of America remains committed, if the parties agree, to a two state solution".

Such a caveat deviates from long-standing US support for a two-state solution as the only possible outcome of any peace deal.

President Trump's pivot on Jerusalem last month infuriated the Palestinians, who seek the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as a future capital.

They accused the US of siding with Israel and said Washington can no longer serve as a mediator.

Jerusalem is the emotional centrepiece of the long-running conflict, and President Trump's policy shift set off protests and condemnation across Arab and Muslim countries.

AP Photo/Raad Adayleh

It posed a dilemma for King Abdullah, who is a staunch US ally, but also derives his political legitimacy in large part from the Hashemite dynasty's role as guardian of a key Muslim site in Jerusalem.

Any perceived threat to Muslim claims in the city is seen as a challenge to Jordan, where a large segment of the population is of Palestinian origin.

Mr Pence told Jordan's monarch that President Trump made it clear in his announcement on Jerusalem "that we are committed to continue to respect Jordan's role as the custodian of holy sites, that we take no position on boundaries and final status".

He said Jordan would continue to play a central role in any future peace efforts.

AP Photo/Raad Adayleh

The vice president also praised Jordan's contribution to a US-led military campaign against Islamic State extremists who in recent months were pushed back from large areas in Iraq and Syria, both neighbours of Jordan.

King Abdullah expressed concerns about the regional fallout from the Jerusalem decision.

"Today we have a major challenge to overcome, especially with some of the rising frustrations," he said.

He described the Pence visit as a mission "to rebuild trust and confidence" in getting to a two-state solution, in which a state of Palestine would be established in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, lands Israel captured in 1967.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate