UN envoy calls for de-escalation of violence in Jerusalem

New York July 21 (IANS/WAM) Expressing deep concern over a surge in tensions and violence around the holy esplanade of Jerusalem s Old City the United Nations envoy on Middle East peace has called for de-escalation of the situation.

"I call on all concerned parties to de-escalate the situation and on moderate voices to speak up against those who try to fuel tensions " said Nickolay Mladenov the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in a statement on Thursday.

He welcomed the commitment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to uphold and respect the status quo at the Old City s holy sites and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas firm condemnation of violence.

"I hope these affirmations will contribute to resolving the concerns of all parties and put an end to the provocative rhetoric that has added to the escalation over the past week " Mladenov said.

--IANS/WAM
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