Disputed work near al-Aqsa mosque called off-report

JERUSALEM, Feb 13 (Reuters) An Israeli government agency today decided on Tuesday to abandon excavations and planned construction near Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque that sparked violent Muslim protests, an Israeli newspaper reported.

The Haaretz newspaper reported on its Web site that the Jewish Quarter Development Co, controlled by the Construction and Housing Ministry, informed the city of Jerusalem of the decision to halt the work.

A spokesman for the city of Jerusalem said he was unaware of any decision. Officials at the Jewish Quarter Development Co had no immediate comment.

Israel had started an archeological excavation about 50 metres (yards) from the religious compound known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount.

The excavation work was to pave the way for construction of a walkway meant to replace an existing ramp leading up to the compound.

Israeli authorities had announced yesterday they would reconsider planned construction work near al-Aqsa in response to Muslim protests but would continue to search for ancient artefacts in the area.

Israel says it is mandated by law to salvage artefacts before any construction.

The ramp to the complex, the site of two destroyed biblical Jewish temples and where the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosque stand, was deemed unsafe after it was damaged by a snowstorm and earthquake in 2004.

Arab states had asked Israel to halt the work, charging it could undermine the foundations of the mosque.

Israel said the holy places would not be harmed.

Reuters DKA RN1914