LOC21:47
18:47 GMT
CAIRO, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayeb announced on Friday his rejection to meet US Vice-President Mike Pence, who is set to visit Egypt on December 20.
In a statement, Al-Tayeb said this comes within the framework of his firm position towards the "invalid" decision by the US Administration to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Zionist entity and to relocate the embassy to the holy city.
He said the move comes "in provocative defiance of the sentiments of all Muslims around the world."
The statement noted that the US embassy in Cairo has officially submitted a request to Al-Azhar institution a week ago to arrange a meeting between Pence and Grand Imam, adding that at that time the Imam agreed on the request.
However, after the US had declared its unfair decision over Jerusalem, Al-Tayeb announced his strong refusal to meet the US official, it explained.
Al-Azhar can't sit with those who falsify history, steal the rights of nations and violate their sanctities, Al-Tayeb said, according to the statement.
"How can I sit with those who granted what they do not possess to those who do not deserve it," he said.
Al-Tayeb called on US President Donald Trump to overturn immediately his illegal decision.
He held Trump and his administration fully accountable for fueling hatred in the hearts of Muslims and those who love peace across the world for this move as well as for violating all values and principles of democracy, justice and peace on which the American people and all nations loving peace are keen.
He also held Trump accountable for repercussions of spreading hate which is currently combated by Al-Azhar.
Grand Imam said Al-Azhar institution is working on disseminating tolerance and love among people, mainly towards the US people.
He urged people of Jerusalem to protest against the move, stressing that he would support them in their third intifada for the sake of their cause and homeland, according to the statement. (end)
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