UNITED NATIONS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday welcomed the news that the crisis in the Old City of Jerusalem has been defused "in line with the status quo at the holy sites before July 14."
In a statement, his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said that the Secretary-General "hopes that the dialogue will continue and contribute to creating an atmosphere of trust amongst the communities. "
"The Secretary-General will remain engaged with all stakeholders to this effect," said Haq.
Earlier in the day, Guterres called for calm in the Old City of Jerusalem, saying there was potential risk of escalating violence.
Guterres, in a statement, cautioned all political, religious and community leaders to refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric.
"It is essential to fully respect the status quo at the holy sites as before July 14," he said.
The statement came in the wake of a series of deadly stabbings and killings, leading to rising tensions in and around Jerusalem's Old City since mid-June, particularly near the holy site.
The holy site is referred to as the "Temple Mount" by the Jews and as "Haram al-Sharif" by the Muslims.
