CAABU welcomes Prime Minister Blair’s letter on Jerusalem
CAABU has obtained the text of a letter from the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on the issue of Britain’s position on the future of Jerusalem. In a letter to the Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, King Muhammad VI of Morocco on 12 March, the Prime Minister made the clearest statement he has made about Britain’s view on the holy city for many years. In it, Blair states explicitly that Britain does not recognize sovereignty over any part of the city.
"Jerusalem's status has yet to be determined, and should be resolved as part of a final status agreement. Pending agreement, we consider East Jerusalem to be occupied territory. We recognise no one claim to sovereignty over the city. We do not support any action that predetermines final status negotiations on the future of Jerusalem."
Although this does represent the formal position of the UK government, Blair himself has been very reluctant to make such strong legal statements on Jerusalem especially ones that contrast markedly with the US and Israeli positions.
CAABU is extremely concerned at the ongoing Israeli activities to create facts on the ground in an attempt to predetermine the final status of the city. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, John Dugard, commented recently that "The Wall being built in East Jerusalem is an instrument of social engineering designed to achieve the Judaization of Jerusalem by reducing the number of Palestinians in the city."
For further information or interviews, contact Chris Doyle, doylec@caabu.org
Tel: 0207 832 1310
Ends….
Background information:
AL-QUDS (JERUSALEM) COMMITTEE
1. ALQUDS COMMITTEE
Establishment:
The Committee was established pursuant to resolution 1/6-P adopted by 6th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 12-15 July 1975.
Objectives:
(a) To follow-up the implementation of resolutions adopted by the Islamic Conference and by other international organizations that support or are in line with the Conference position; to liaise with other bodies, and to offer to Member States proposals it deems appropriate on implementation of resolutions, achieving their objectives, and on taking steps on developments that may arise within these terms of reference.
(b) To implement all Islamic Conference resolutions on the Arab-Israeli conflict in view of the fundamental connection between the Al-Quds question and the conflict.
Membership:
The Islamic Conference of Information Ministers elects members of the Committee for three renewable years. Members of the Committee are the following:
1. Kingdom of Morocco
2. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
3. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
4. Republic of Iraq
5. Syrian Arab Republic
6. State of Palestine
7. Republic of Lebanon
8. Islamic Republic of Mauritania
9. Arab Republic of Egypt
10. People's Republic of Bangladesh
11. Islamic Republic of Pakistan
12. Islamic Republic of Iran
13. Republic of Indonesia
14. Republic of Senegal
15. Republic of Niger
16. Republic of Guinea
Meetings:
The Committee convenes its meetings upon invitation of its chairman or the majority of its members. The meeting is considered a regular meeting when attended by the majority. The Committee presents reports to the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, while the General Secretariat provides all facilities necessary to carry out its work.
Chairmanship:
The Committee is chaired by His Majesty King of Morocco.
Headquarters:
Rabat- Kingdom of Morocco
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