Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 30, 2014
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/10/233557.htm
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I strongly condemn yesterday’s shooting of a U.S. citizen outside the
Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem. My thoughts and prayers are
with the family. The State Department is in touch with authorities as we
seek more information.
I am extremely concerned by escalating tensions across Jerusalem and
particularly surrounding the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. It is absolutely
critical that all sides exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions
and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo on the Haram
al-Sharif/Temple Mount – in word and in practice. The continued commitment
by Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians to preserve the historic status
quo at this holy site is critical; any decisions or actions to change it
would be both provocative and dangerous. The Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount
must be re-opened to Muslim worshipers and I support the long-standing
practices regarding non-Muslim visitors to the site, consistent with respect
for the status quo arrangements governing religious observance there.
I am in close touch with senior Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian leaders
to try to deescalate the situation. I urge the leaders of all three parties
to exercise decisive leadership and work cooperatively together to lower
tensions and discourage violence, alleviate restrictions on Muslim
worshipers, and reinvigorate long-standing coordination mechanisms and
relationships that have served over the decades to preserve the historic
status quo as it pertains to religious observance and access to the site.
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