Turkey calls on int'l community to end Israeli restrictions on Al-Aqsa

ANKARA, July 22 (KUNA) -- Turkey's President Erdogan called for an immediate end to Israel's new restrictions at the compound of Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque on Saturday.
In a written statement, President Erdogan said metal detectors and other restrictions should be immediately lifted and returned to the status quo.
"As the summit term president of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), I call for the international community to act to immediate end practices that restrict freedom of worship." Erdogan said that Israel shutting down the Al-Aqsa compound last week for three days, and then imposing new restrictions, including placing metal detectors at the entrance, and citing the deadly July 14 shootout to justify this, is "unacceptable." "As OIC Term President, I condemn Israeli forces' use of excess force on our brothers gathered for Friday prayer, the Friday prayer not being allowed in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and Israel's persistence in its attitude despite all warnings," he said.
Erdogan added "I wish Allah's mercy upon our three brothers who lost their lives" in yesterday's violence.
He also wished a speedy recovery to the hundreds of wounded, saying that Turkey is against every type of violence.
He called on Israel to respect the holiness and historical status of the Al-Aqsa compound.
Last week, Israel shut down the Mosque in front of Muslim worshipers in the aftermath of clashes that erupted between three Palestinians and two Israelis, which resulted in killing all five.
Al-Aqsa Mosque had been closed in front of worshipers for the first time in 48 years. (end) rs.mb