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.