Sheikh Hilmi Al-Mohtassib, the head of the Supreme Moslem Council in East Jerusalem, took an unprecedented step yesterday and summoned the Consuls of the United States, England and France for a discussion on the Knesset action last week proclaiming united Jerusalem the capital of Israel, the longer strike of security prisoners in the Nafha prison in the Negev and the restrictions imposed on West Bank colleges.
The Sheikh, who is the chief religious authority in the administered territories, known for his close association with Jordan, asked the Consuls to serve as “good will emissaries” with their governments on these issues. Al-Mohtassib complained particularly about the Jerusalem low which he said would force the Arab residents out of East Jerusalem, this turning it into a wholly Jewish area.
The Supreme Moslem Council usually refrains from taking a stand on political issues. The meeting yesterday is seen as yet another Jordanian attempt for greater involvement in the occupied territories by moving in through the back door of the Supreme Moslem Council.
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