Mohammed VI: “We call for the preservation of the legal, cultural and spiritual status” of Al

VHere is the full text of the Royal Message:

“Praise be to God, prayer and salvation be upon the Prophet, his family and his companions,

Your Excellency, Mr. Cheikh Niang, Chairman of the Committee for the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is Our pleasure, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, to address to you Our sincere thanks. We express Our consideration for the efforts that you are making with constancy so that the imprescriptible and legitimate rights of Palestine and its Just Cause may triumph.

This is an opportunity for Us to reiterate our constant and clear support for the just Palestinian Cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, first and foremost the right to establish their independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital, and living side by side with the State of Israel, in peace and security.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It has been proven that the international community and its institutions are today brutally confronted with a series of crises which strongly challenge them and monopolize their attention. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that the settlement of the Palestinian question, incidentally the oldest of all, is the key to peace and stability in the Middle East. To win this bet, it is necessary to deploy intense efforts so that the logic of peace and cooperation and the will to build a friendly and prosperous space for the peoples of the region prevail over antagonism and conflictuality.

Furthermore, We stress once again that the deadlock in the political process between Israelis and Palestinians does a disservice to the peace that We wish to see reign in the region. At the same time, We encourage any positive sign and any commendable initiative likely to restore the climate of confidence and promote the start of responsible negotiations whose outcome would be a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, in accordance with the decisions of international legality and on the basis of the realistic two-state solution.

We are also convinced that the initiatives in favor of well-being and prosperity in the region, important as they are, will not be enough, as long as this tenacious conflict persists, which mortgages the future of the rising generations.

The absence of any political perspective for the outcome of the Palestinian question, as well as the unilateral initiatives which destroy all hope for peace, reinforce the radical factions which obstinately desecrate what is sacred and incite hatred and violence. From a fundamentally political dispute, this conflict risks turning into a real religious confrontation, with potentially calamitous consequences for the entire region.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Arab and Muslim peoples reserve a special place in their hearts for the holy city of Al-Quds, in consideration of its symbolic value, both spiritual and religious. Its future is a final status issue to be resolved through direct negotiations.

Assuming the responsibility incumbent on Us as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee which comes under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, We call for the preservation of the legal, cultural and spiritual status of the Holy City. Common heritage of humanity, the Sacred City has always been the meeting ground for the followers of the three monotheistic religions. It also embodies a strong symbol of the ideal of peaceful coexistence that unites them.

Under Our aegis, the Bait Mal Al-Quds Agency is engaged in carrying out concrete projects that benefit our maqdissis brothers in areas such as housing, health, education and social services. His work is fundamentally intended to preserve the cultural identity of the Holy City, to improve the living conditions of its population and to support its resistance.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Reflecting a sincere and unchanging commitment, the action of the Kingdom of Morocco in favor of the Palestinian question is translated on the ground by concrete measures which carry the approval and the unreserved support of the leaders and the people of Palestine. Also, Our wish is that this fair question be kept away from idle bidding and narrow calculations which can only be detrimental to it.

We also take this opportunity to call on the Palestinian actors to unite with each other so that strong national institutions are put in place, under the command of Our Brother, His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine. The brotherly Palestinian people will thus attain the freedom, independence and dignified life to which they aspire.

In conclusion, We salute once again the sincere efforts that your honorable committee is making to keep the world constantly in mind of the importance and the need to find a just and definitive solution to the Palestinian question, in accordance with the resolutions of legality international.

May God guide your steps and grant you every success in your endeavour.

Wassalamou alaikoum warahmatoullahi wabarakatouh”.

Mohammed VI: “We call for the preservation of the legal, cultural and spiritual status” of Al-Quds