Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, Interior Minister Ghalib Al Zu'bi attended the Christmas midnight mass at Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity as the eastern Christian traditions began their Christmas celebrations.

The celebrations are held according to the eastern calendar of the Roman Orthodox, Assyrian, Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox sects.

In remarks prior to the mass dinner, Al Zu'bi conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Abdullah and the Jordanian people to Christians on this occasion.

The minister also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who attended the mass along with Palestinian officials, members of diplomatic corps and Christian clergymen.

President Abbas voiced appreciation of the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian people to Jordan's role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinians and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also praised efforts exerted by His Majesty to preserve the Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.

Al Zu'bi highlighted the strong ties between the two peoples as well as King Abdullah's keenness to support the Palestinian issue and preserve the historical and legal status in Jerusalem.