In confirmation of his uncompromising stance against the illegal decision of the American Administration on declaring Jerusalem as the capital of the occupying Zionist entity and moving the American Embassy in Israel to it in what deliberately provokes Muslims all over the World, his Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyeb declared today his firm rejection to the official demand of the American Vice President Mike Pence to meet with him on 20th December.
A week ago, the American Embassy in Cairo formally requested to arrange a meeting between the American Vice President and his Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Mashyakhat Al-Azhar Al-Sharif as part of the former’s tour in the region, a request approved by the Grand Imam at that time. Yet, after the declaration of this illegal, unjust decision on Jerusalem, the Grand Imam decisively and totally rejected the meeting, confirming meanwhile that Al-Azhar cannot sit with those who distort history, spoil the rights of nations and commit aggression against their sacred places.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar added, "How can I sit with those who promise what they do not own to those who do not deserve?! The American President must immediately reverse this illegal and illegitimate decision."
His Eminence stated, "The American President and his Administration should bear full responsibility for inciting hatred in the hearts of Muslims and the hearts of all advocates of peace in the world. They are responsible for wasting all democratic principles and values of justice and peace that are cherished by the American people and all peace-loving peoples in the world. The American President is responsible now for the repercussions of his decision that will lead to spreading hatred that Al-Azhar is combating day and night in order to foster tolerance and love among all people, especially towards the American people."
After the Friday Prayer, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar addressed the Palestinian people saying, "Let your third uprising be as strong as your faith in your cause and your love for your country. We stand with you and will not let you down?
From the very beginning, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif took a clear and decisive stance against the U.S. Administration decision to declare Al-Quds a capital of the Zionist Occupation, and warned against the serious repercussions of this decision on the international peace process.