Amman, June 15 (Petra) — The Senate’s Palestine Committee on Monday
discussed the Palestinian issue and conditions in the occupied
Palestinian territories with Russian Ambassador to Jordan Gleb F.
Desyatnikov, urging more international efforts to advance a just and
lasting peace.

Committee Chairman Mazen Darwazah pointed to the long-standing
relations between Jordan and Russia based on mutual respect and
constructive cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties
between the Kingdom and the former Soviet Union in 1963.

Darwazah noted the close relationship between His Majesty King
Abdullah II and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which helped to
enhance dialogue and coordination between the two countries on
regional and international issues.

He also cited Putin’s inauguration of the Russian Pilgrims House at
the Baptism Site, as a further sign of the deep ties, and underscored
Jordan’s role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites under
the historic Hashemite Custodianship.

Darwazah underscored Moscow’s role as a permanent member of the
United Nations Security Council, and stressed the importance of major
powers upholding international legitimacy and international law amid
growing global challenges.

On the Palestinian issue, Darwazah said the situation reached a
critical stage due to Israeli government policies, warning that
continued settlement expansion, land grabs, home demolitions and
displacement in the occupied West Bank undermine prospects for peace
and a two-state solution.

He also warned against attempts to alter the historical and legal
status quo in Jerusalem and undermine the role of the Jerusalem Awqaf
Department and the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian
holy sites.

Darwazah said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic,
referring to ongoing hostilities, restrictions on aid delivery and
deteriorating living conditions.

He called for a more effective international role, particularly from
Russia, to protect international legitimacy, halt unilateral measures
and support a serious political process leading to a comprehensive
settlement.

For his part, Desyatnikov said Russia continues to closely monitor
developments in the Palestinian territories and the wider region,
saying Jordan and Russia saw eye to eye on the Palestinian issue and
Middle East affairs.

He said Russia supports a just and comprehensive political settlement
based on relevant UN resolutions and international legitimacy, adding
that diplomatic solutions are the viable path to ending the conflict,
defusing tensions and promoting regional stability.

//Petra// NQ