Grand Imam of Al-Azhar rejects meeting U.S. Vice President: “Illegitimate and unfair decisions must be overturned”.
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmed At-Tayyeb, rejected on Friday an official request from the U.S. Vice President Mike Pence to meet him on December 20. This has come in the framework of the Grand Imam’s firm stance against the void decision of the U.S. administration announcing Jerusalem as the capital of the Zionist occupation and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. He described that decision as a provocative defiance of the feelings of the Muslims around the world.
A week ago, the U.S. embassy in Cairo officially asked for the arrangement of holding a meeting between the Grand Imam and Pence. At that time the request was accepted. However, when the U.S. declared its unfair decision over Jerusalem, the Grand Imam totally rejected the request for the meeting, stressing that Al-Azhar cannot meet those who falsify history, abuse the rights of peoples, and violate their religious sanctuaries.
“How can I meet with those who have offered what they do not own to those who do not deserve it,” At-Tayyeb added in a statement. The Grand Imam called on Trump to overturn his illegitimate and illegal decision.
The Grand Imam held the U.S President and his administration fully responsible for kindling the feelings of hatred among all the Muslims and the lovers of peace in the world. He added that the decision violates all the values of democracy, justice, and peace advocated by the American people and all peaceful people in the world. The Grand Imam also warned that the U.S. President’s decision will lead to serious consequences of disseminating hatred against which Al-Azhar works hard day and night in its attempt to promote tolerance and love among all peoples, especially towards the American people.
After Friday’s congregational prayer, At-Tayyeb addressed the people of Jerusalem urging them, “Make your third intifada be on the level of your belief in your cause and your love for your country. We are with you and will not let you down”.
From the very beginning, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has taken a decisive stance against the U.S. administration void decision of declaring Jerusalem as the capital of the Zionist occupation and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Al-Azhar has repeatedly warned of the consequences of such decision on the world peace and security.