•
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
10 September 2008
Excellency,
I am writing in response to your letter of21 August2008 ., delivered by Ambassador Mohamm ed F. Al-Allaf, PermanentRepresentative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during his meeting with Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General, the same day.
I am aware of the circumstances surrounding the proposed excavation and construction of a permanent structure at the site of the existing ramp leading to the Maghrabi Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, and fully understand your concerns. I have therefore taken it upon myself to write to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to emphasize that Jerusalem is an issue of importance and sensitivity to the Arab and Muslim world, and that its remains an issue for permanent status negotiations between the State of Israel andthe Palestine Liberation Organization, with special consideration reserved for Jordan, as expressed in the Treaty of Peace of October1994. Against this background, I urged Israel not to undertake any unilateral action that may alter the character and state of affairs in the Old City of Jerusalem in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
I further encouraged Israel to continue to work with my colleagues at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(U NESCO) and its World Heritage Committeein a transparent process that leads to a solution that is mutually acceptable to Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, also taking into account the views of the Palestinians.
His Excellency Mr. Salah Bashir Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Amman
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·····'· --· ._ ....,. I am confident that this expression of concern and encouragement of cooperation and coordination will prevent any potential unilateral action. I have also asked my colleagues at UNESCO to continue their important work with the parties, and I would encourage you to maintain your trust in this channel.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
10 September 2008
Excellency,
I am writing with regard to the proposed excavation andconstruction of a permanent structure at the site of the existing ramp leading to the Maghrabi Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem.
I wish to express my gratitude andpraise for the cooperation of the Government of Israel on this issue with my colleagues at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(U NESCO) and the World Heritage Committee over the past year. There have, however, been a number of expressions of concern to me and senior representatives of the United Nations that the suspended project may soon resume, on the basis of an ongoing Israeli legal approval process, but outside the framework of the international consultations, in particular with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
As you know, Jerusalem is an issue of importance and sensitivity to the Arab and Muslim world, and the status of Jerusalem remains an issue for permanent status negotiations between the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, with special consideration reserved for Jordan, as expressed in the Treaty ofPeace of October 1994. In light of this, I would urge Israel not to undertake any unilateral action that may alter the character and state of affairs in the Old City of Jerusalem in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Given the sensitivity of this issue, the mere perception of unilateral action, even if tak en on public safety grounds, could have unforeseen and undesired consequences. As we are all aware, actions in Jerusalem have the ability to effect the security situation on the ground as well as the ongoing regional negotiation efforts.
His Excellency Mr. Ehud Olmert Prime Minister of the State of Israel Jerusalem I encourage Israel to continue to work with my colleagues at UNESCO and its World Heritage Committee in a transparent process that leads to a solution that is mutually acceptable to Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, also taking into account the views of the Palestinians.
I should be grateful for your cooperation in this regard.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
BAN UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
POSTAL ADDRESS- ADRESSE POST ALE: UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. 10017 CABLE ADDRESS -ADRESSE TELEGRAPHIQUE: UNATIONS NEWYORK
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
CABINET DU SECRETAIRE GENERAL
REFERENCE:
10 September 2008
Excellency,
The Secretary-General would be grateful if you could kindly forward the enclosed letter to His Excellency Mr. Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister of the State of Israel.
A copy of the letter is attached for your information.
_Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Her Excellency Ms. Gabriela Shalev Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations
NewYork · UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
POSTAL ADORES'S - ADRESSE POST ALE: UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. 10017 CABLE ADDRESS- ADRESSE TELEGRAPHIQUE: UNATIONS NEWYORK
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
CABINET DU SECRETAIRE GENERAL
REFERENCE:
10 September 2008
Excellency,
The Secretary-General would be grateful if you could kindly forward the enclosed letter to His Excellency Mr. Salah Bashir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
A copy of the letter is attached for your information.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
lr·fla..J__� . ' J • v jay Nambia:--- Chef de Cabinet
His Excellency Mr. Mohammed F. Al-Allaf Permanent Representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations New York .- ) \ -� : �- ( ( 1 ·, ACTION / ��.., •• ·. / ..._}. t!.. • 'I . ' '· "' � ··� J COPY / /')
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TO: r A: Mr. Vijay Nambiar, Chef de Cabinet, EOSG \> rs: " ' 1 rrr)I"""1 � · · - - ''7 . i l ��i� � � �=-.. _ -ll ·I !' ' ' I !I- r,'< li ! ' :f•l ! I oN� . THROUGH: Mr. B. �ynn Pascoe, USG, l' · , . ,_,. . ' . I J tU J '"'t::EP-� - I1 /5/ 0 ,.._, .. FROM: i L e( 0 tX. 0 _; ! -/0(((:1·� i APD�. , on:,. Mr. a uel, OiC, ' · · - � AL DE: Tamrat S m ·---- . ·----· - ·-'-- .l
. Rooin No.- No de bureau: Ext: "-0 Date: S-3341D 3-4589 I 9 September 2008
FOR ACTION XXX POUR SUITE A DONNER
FOR APPROVAL XXX POUR APPROBATION
FOR SIGNATURE XXX POUR SIGNATURE
FOR COMMENTS POUR OBSERVATIONS
MAY WE DISCUSS? POURRIONS-NOUS EN PARLER?
YOUR ATTENTION VOTRE ATTENTION
AS DISCUSSED COMME CONVENU
AS REQUESTED SUITE A VOTRE DEMANDE
RETURN RETOURNER
FOR INFORMATION POUR INFORMATION
MESSAGE:
Please find attached a letter from the Secretary-General to Prime Minister Ehud Olm.ert and to the Jordanian Foreign Minister Al-Bashir related to the construction work near the Maghrabi Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem. We are addressing.Prime Minister Olmert based on past correspondence on this issue. Note to Mr. Pascoe
Israeli Construction on the Maghrabi Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem
I refer to your notes of22 August and 28 August 2008 on the issue of the MaghrabiGate in the Old City of Jerusalem. As discussed earlierwith your office, the Secretary-General has asked that the following steps be taken in this sequence:
1) a letter to Israeli Minister Livni bringing this issue to her attention;
2) you continue your contacts with UNESCO; and
3) a letterof reply to Jordanian Minister Al-Bashir, informing him ofthe proposed steps taken.
Vijay Nambiar fl 8 September 2008
. DPA/OUSG
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L.i__!_,ll Lr- i � 'J "'�.JA _, ,� <.} �'II �I_,..JI 0-4 � :Y.Jli..JI �� tJ �1_, ()-4 uJ Jt .�_,..JI & � '-'__,h �1 �l_y..} � 'i_, ,4.....�1 �i4.11 � �'fl .l:.LWI ,� W_,_�_, � r)Lh._::,)l\ ��I ul!_,(t._yb .lc.\..Aj c.) �� � BBC NEWS I Middle East I Work starts near Jerusalem shrine Page 1 of2 fiJI;][!] NEWSI
Work has begun to repair an ancient mound near Jerusalem's holiest site, raising tensions between Palestinians and Israelis.
The Israeli authorities say the work is needed to restore a walkway leading to the ai-Aqsa Mosque or Temple Mount compound in East Jerusalem.
Palestinian leaders say it threatens Islamic archaeological remains.
In 1996, work to open a tunnel alongside the compound sparked clashes in which 80 people died.
And in 2000, the Palestinian uprising began at the mosque· following a controversial tour of the site by Israel's then opposition leader Ariel Sharon.
Israeli police are deployed throughout East Jerusalem's mainly-Arab Old City area and are blocking access to the compound to non-Muslims and Palestinians under 45.
A senior Muslim cleric urged Palestinians to rush to the compound to protest against the work at the so-called Dung Gate walkway.
Echoing that call, Prime Minister Ismail Haniya of the Hamas-led government called for Palestinian unity amid factional fighting between Hamas and its rival Fatah.
Large protests have not materialised yet and there are no reports of unrest. '
Revered site
The Islamic authorities in charge of the compound say two underground rooms lie under the mound' which is due for levelling.
JERUSALEM HOLY SITE
SACRED TO JEWS: Site of first and second Temples and the rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice. As the visible remnant of the Temple, the Western Wall is the holiest site in Judaism SACRED TO MUSLIMS: First direction of prayer for Muslims, site of Prophet Muhammad's ascent into, home to ai-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock
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The centuries-old walkway partially collapsed in 2004. The current work is intended to secure the area and protect archaeological artefacts that have not.been uncovered, Israeli officials say.
The Haram ai-Sharif compound is the third holiest site in Islam, believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad made an ascent to heaven into the pFesence of God.
Jews believe the Temple Mount is where Abraham offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God. It is also the site l:o the First and Second Temples. The Western Wall of the mount is the holiest site in Judaism. ' J
Jerusalem planners okay route of new bridge to Mugrabi Gate- Haaretz- Israel News Page 1 of3
Subscribe to Print Edition Mon., May 12, 20081yyar7. 5768 Israel Time: 00.53 !EST+7)
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JJ� . THE PERFECT Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising t;i'•� HOLIDAY ' f...... � �� . Books s & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File Singles -��H.!v.r-y: · GIFT.... Read & React Talkback � Lebanon PM: Hezbollah is worse than Israel :Illlfl p . Responses: v 1_,./ lmim.DI1 \_; [; l y /' . 275 ll.. Gideon Levy: PM probe raises last updat - 00:50 12/Pf/2008 serious questions about U S (Clklc (or tri;,�lle.ssr,mJ Jerusalem pl nners okay route of new bridge to M ugrabi Gate Jewry-Israel relations � Responses: By The Associated Press 81 Tales from a N.Y. cabby: 'My first Tags: Jerusalem, ·Mugrabi Gate » wife was Muslim, my second was Jewish' Responses: A World Without Jerusalem's City Hall on Sunday said its planning commission has approved the route of a new 53 Rosner's Domain Israel? bridg� to the hotly disputed Temple Mount, a site holy to both Muslims and Jews. Would the world be a What Does Mean An earthquake damaged the old bridge to the site. When Israeli workers tried to repair the damage It better place without last year, that set off demonstrations by Palestinians. To Be "Pro-Israel"? Israel, or not?
They charged Israel was trying to undermine the AI Aqsa Mosque inside the gate. W'N'IN foreign policy . com On Sunday the Jerusalem Advertisement Malley will not municipality said its planning advise Obama commission has approved the route of the new bridge. (WTR) Would the world be a better place without Israel, or not? Israel Real Estate It will be built on a few columns, www.foreignpolicy.com Poll: What happend Buy an apartment in guiding it over archaeological findings discovered when the old in Lebanon? Jerusalem, Tel Aviv bridge was destroyed. !s.rae.LB.�a!. E.st&te. and more. All new Obama and the projects! The original plan for the bridge, Buy an apartment in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv ahd more. All which leads from the Old City's new projects ! Jews: is 61% 'WWW ISraelapartment.co il Dung Gate and the Western Wall www.israelapartment co.il enough? to the Temple Mount's Mugrabi Gate, raised hackles in the Arab world when it was presented last f'bQtQs Qf .Je.r.Y.sille.m. Who's pushing the year, due to allegations that it Hundreds of beautiful, high-res images of Jerusalem on US to war with Photos of Jerusa!!:tm would damage the site. CD! Iran? (WTR) Beautiful, high Related articles: www.bibleplaces.com resolution images of • New plan for Temple Mount M>qbyGoogle Print Jerusalem on photo bridge aims to silence critics M CD! a • A bridge too far [3 Send to friend wwv1 bibleplaces com rC?b.. �Pnrl rP!=:nnn!=:P. ; . . '
08-46931 -1-
Translated from Arabic
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 August 2008
Sir,
I should like to inform you that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in keeping with its responsibilities and historical role in caring for and maintaining the Islamic holy places in Al-Quds al-Sharif, is obliged to call attention to the practices of Israel, the State that has occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, aimed at the Judaization of Jerusalem. Its unilateral actions, including the recent attempt to build a walkway over the Bab al-Magharibah, which is adjacent to the compound of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, are aimed at altering the city's Islamic and Arab nature and destroying its Arab and Islamic antiquities. Those practices and actions have, of course, been strongly rejected and condemned by Arabs and Muslims .
. DespU� the determined efforts that have been and continue to be made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and, in particular, the World Heritage Committee, to stop that course of action, Isra� �ontinues to build and_excavate at the site of the Bab al-Magharibah. That will lead to the creation of a new reality at the site and permanently alter its characteristics.
The Bab al-Magharibah is an Islamic site within Jerusalem and forms an integral part of the Holy City's Islamic waqf. Isra.cl...d.Qe.s_no_t_ha.Ye.._all¥--Iights_o.Ye.I:. . that site. Rather, as the occupying Power, it is obliged to assist the Jerusalem Waqf Administration to exercise its right and responsibility to safeguard, maintain and repair the site. It should not engage in any act aimed at affecting the authenticity and completeness of its historical and cultural character.
The Jlnilater
__c _ml!munity ml&t take a firm stand in the face of those practices and bring pressure to bear on Israel to desist from its actions, in order to prevent the creation of a new reality that cannot be altered in the future.
I.r.�Qll.!e.�_ _you to use your good offices within the Organization, UNESCO and all other relevant organizations and associations and hring pressure to bear on the Israeli Government to stop its actions at the Bab ai-Magharibah and in occupied, --�ast Jerusalem, in accordance with relevant international resolutions.
Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
( Sif!necf) Salah Bashir •• . .
United Nations • Nations Unies
Executive Office of the Secretary-General Cabinet du Secretaire general
To: Mr. Nambiar,
Please fmd attached, for your approval and SG's signature two letters addressed to PM Ehud Olmert and FM of Jordan, regarding the construction work near the Maghrabi Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem. ��Yt1lti..S. We are addressing PM Olmert based onf*tSt correspondence on this issue. �� Nicholas Haysom 10 September 2008
Cc: KWS
28-10623