India concerned at Israeli excavations near Al Aqsa
New Delhi, Feb 20 (UNI) India tonight expressed concern at the possible consequences of the ''repair activities'' by Israel around the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and called for maintaining the sanctity and spiritual heritage of the Holy City.
An External Affairs Ministry spokesman said the Old City of Jerusalem, including the excavation site, are places of great spiritual significance to the followers of the three monotheistic religions.
The peace, sanctity and spiritual heritage of this Holy City should be maintained, he said.
The spokesman said any action that could be construed as affecting the sanctity of this World Heritage Site, which is the common heritage of all mankind, should be avoided at all costs.
The
Israel's
excavation
and
repair
work
around
Al
Aqsa
Mosque
has
come
under
severe
criticism
and
condemnation
in
many
parts
of
the
world
who
described
the
Israeli
action
as
an
''affront
to
the
symbols
of
Islam.''
UNI