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IPU welcomes re-opening of Jerusalem holy site, calls for calm

GENEVA, Oct 31 (KUNA) -- the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) calls on Friday for calm and restraint between Israelis and Palestinians, and welcomed Israel's re-opening of Al-Haram Al-Sharif holy site in Jerusalem today.
"Recent violence and the escalating political tension following the (holy) site's closure (by Israel) has been a serious concern for IPU," the union said in a statement.
"We welcome the decision to re-open and once again allow Muslim worshippers access to the al-Aqsa mosque. It is an important acknowledgement of the right to worship and to access holy sites," said IPU President Saber Chowdhury in a press release from his office in the IPU headquarteres in Geneva.
"Protecting such rights is critical for constructive relations between Israelis and Palestinians," he added.
IPU is urging the Israeli Knesset to ensure authorities do more to protect and respect such rights concerning the holy site in Jerusalem in the interests of peace.
It is also encouraging the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and its members to engage in constructive dialogue with the Palestinian Legislative Council to find ways for both peoples to co-exist peacefully.
IPU and its Committee on Middle East Questions renewed their support and assistance for such dialogue, which could pave the way for future, successful peace negotiations, said Chowdhury. (end) ta.bs