KL lifts ban on travel to Jerusalem

KL lifts ban on travel to Jerusalem

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The authorities here said they would
broaden a policy that had allowed only Moslems to visit Jerusalem
to include followers of all religions, the local press reported
yesterday.

Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with Israel, and the first
breakthrough on travel between the two countries came last month,
when Kuala Lumpur announced that only Moslems would be permitted
to visit Jerusalem.

A government official said that decision followed evidence
that many Islamic followers had secretly embarked on pilgrimages
to the city.

Jerusalem's ancient status as a holy land for Moslems, Jews
and Christians has for centuries triggered inter-religious
conflicts.