Al-Husseini renews Jerusalem's status as open city with free access to all religions

Palestinian official in charge of Jerusalem (Al-Quds), Faisal Al-Husseini, renewed at a conference held in London the status of Jerusalem as an open city with free access to all religions

After he recalled that the city is not important for Palestinians only, but also for Moslems and Arabs and the international community at large, he said he was convinced that a fair solution that would satisfy both sides could be reached.

Al Husseini, who is also member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's executive committee, appealed to all Arabs and Muslims to help meet local needs of Palestinians in municipal services, education, health and cultural activities.

Palestinians have succeeded in protecting the old part of the city since 1967 when it was occupied by Israel and preserve its religious and traditional features for the three monotheist religions, he added. After he deplored the low level of assistance extended by Arab states over the last seven years and which does not represent even the aid given by Israel for western Al-Quds in one month, he noted that there are presently 230,000 Palestinians living in the city despite various constraints imposed by Israel.

For US former secretary of state for the near east, Richard Murphy, the US administration would favor arrangements for the city that would ensure access to the holy places in the city. These arrangements should lead to peaceful relations between Palestinians and Israelis. He added that Washington would not feel obliged to change its policy toward the city until there are clearer answers to the outcome of the final status talks.

Several politicians, religious leaders and intellectuals from Palestine, Arab states, Britain and the USA took part in the conference held at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London. It was sponsored by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).