Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament Atef Tarawneh Thursday reiterated Jordan's firm principles regarding the Palestinian cause, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

He said these principles include the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and refugees' right to return and compensation.

Tarawneh made the remarks at the 14th Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean countries, held in the Greek capital, Athens.

He said achieving security and stability in the region is a priority that begins by combating terrorism and extremism, and taking a firm and clear stance that would leave the Israeli occupation no choice but to abide by international legitimacy resolutions.

He pointed out Israel's acts against Palestine which include illegal settlement expansion, apprehension of women, children and elderly, storming holy sites, and terrorizing those performing prayers, describing such acts as "state terrorism."

He said these acts fuel an already-inflamed situation in the region, urging international action to rein in Israel.

He pointed out that Jordan believes in peace as a way to stop regional destruction and wars. "The United States administration's bias toward the Israeli occupation and its recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel and Jerusalem as its capital will only prolong the conflict and fuel regional tension," he stated.

He said nailing down the two state solution is the only path to regional security and stability, calling on the members of the Parliamentary Assembly to promote it and to pressure their governments to reject any settlement that undermines Palestinians' rights