Egypt’s Grand Imam rejects meeting U.S. vice-president

CAIRO – 8 December 2017: Egypt’s Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb announced his rejection to meet with U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, who will visit Egypt on December 20, according to a statement issued by Al-Azhar Sheikhdom on Friday.

“How can I sit with those who granted what they do not own to those who do not deserve it,” Al-Tayeb expressed in the statement; alluding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The grand imam called on Trump to overturn his illegitimacy and illegal decision.

The U.S. embassy has previously officially asked for holding a meeting between the grand imam and Pence and at that time the request was accepted; however, when the U.S. declared its decision over Jerusalem, the grand imam refused to proceed with the meeting, the statement continued.

Two Palestinians were killed and 300 were wounded on Friday during protests in the Gaza Strip and across the occupied West Bank over U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, said The Palestinian Red Crescent (PRCS).

In a previous statement, Al-Azhar strongly warned against this act, stressing that any declaration on this issue will kindle the feelings of anger among all Muslims, threaten global peace, and promote tension, division and hatred all over the world.