Ammon News - Secretary General of the Islamic-Christian Commission in Support of Jerusalem and Holy Sites, Hanna Issa, said the Hashemite custodianship on Islamic and Christian sanctuaries, emanating from its religious history and legitimacy, confirms the continued Hashemite trusteeship role, reflected in the sites' reconstruction that began in 1924.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, Issa indicated that the Hashemite trusteeship is based on "solid" foundations, including the recent agreement signed between Jordan and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, on March 31, 2013.

The Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem and adherence to it is in line with the role that Jordan plays in promoting the values of tolerance, peace, stability, brotherhood and coexistence, and moderation, according to Issa.

Issa continued:" It also reflects the will of Jordanians, Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims and all the people who advocate peace, justice, and freedom to practice religious rites without infringement by one party over another."
Affirming the custodianship will continue despite the "difficult and complex" political circumstances, Issa pointed out that the Jordanian Hashemite role in preserving the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and protecting, reconstructing and maintaining its sanctities has passed through long stages that exceeded nine decades.

Issa emphasized that the Jordanian government did not "hesitate" to provide support in all its forms to Jerusalem, as it carried out projects to restore, renovate and refurnish the holy city's various sites.

To foster steadfastness, he referred to His Majesty's keenness to meet with Jerusalem personalities on an annual basis to set priorities and implement programs and projects, which are carried out under the King's directives in Al-Quds Al-Sharif to enable Jerusalemites to preserve the city's Arab identity.