Statement on the latest violence in the Old City of Jerusalem
Today, the advent of the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana), was a particularly violent day at the Holy Sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. Many statements were made by all, but the fact remains — all worshippers and visitors to the Al-Aqsa Mosque / Temple Mount should respect the sanctity of the area. The provocations and violence serves no one except those who seek to advance the agenda of extremism.
This afternoon I issued a statement in which I called on political and religious leaders to live up to their responsibility to act against those, who undermine the rule of law. I encouraged all to stand firmly against incitement and violence, especially during the sensitive period of the Jewish High Holy Days and ahead of the Muslim Eid al-Adha.
I also noted of the statement by the Prime Minister of Israel that the status quo at the Holy Sites will be maintained.
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The ‘rule of law’ as written and administered by Israel favors and benefits one ethnic group, while penalizing and restricting other ethnic groups. Incitement to violence results from such repressive laws and abusive actions by Israel and her agents, in every facet of life for Palestinians and Arabs, especially. Today, Palestinians have lost all progress from 1993 toward an independent state; Jewish citizens of Israel have gained and advanced economically, strategically, and in security; depravation and poverty has never been more severe in Gaza, mostly due to Israel; and no peace process exists. Injustice and inequality endured daily by Palestinians, in Israel and occupied Palestine, incite violence when no other remedy exists. The UN must expose the causes of violence and not just condemn the perpetrators. The Belfast Agreement removed the injustices and inequalities endured daily by Catholics and Nationalists in Northern Ireland, while protecting the rights and aspirations of Unionists and Protestants. Peace would not have followed without these pre-requisites. Since the US and the Quartet are unable to serve as unbiased mediators to facilitate genuine dialogue for a peace agreement, this role should be performed by the UN Coordinator & Secretary General. The methods and approach employed by US Senator George Mitchell to obtain and sustain the Belfast Agreement, together with President Clinton, should be looked at closely for guidance.
Shana tova, Mr Mladenov! Shalom from Germany Gerd Schulz