The Vatican is to formally recognise Palestinian statehood in a treaty that will be signed shortly, officials say.
Israel has expressed its disappointment at the decision which it says will not advance the peace process. Talks between the Palestinians and the Vatican - which favours a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - have gone of for 20 years. President Abbas meets the Pope this weekend when two 19th Century Palestinian nuns will be canonised.
The Vatican is eager that property and civil rights of the Catholic Church in the Palestinian state is protected, correspondents say. According to the New York Times, it has strong religious interests in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories that include Christian holy sites.
The BBC's David Willey in Rome says that Pope Francis is making every effort to strengthen the Christian presence in the Middle East at a time when when hundreds of thousands of Arab Christians are fleeing Islamic violence. The Vatican's announcement comes amid growing momentum to recognise Palestinian statehood. Over the last year the European Parliament as well as the UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain and France have all passed non-binding motions in favour.
Sweden has gone further, officially recognising Palestine as a state.
The moves have been criticised by Israel, which says recognition of statehood in this way discourages Palestinians from resuming talks on a final status agreement.
Popestein
Popestein
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
GREAT NEWS FOR ARAB CATHOLICS
Catholics comprise approximately .5% of the population of the West Bank and much less than .1% in the Gaza Strip. That's about 40,000 catholics in all of Palestine. Presently, the Muslim Arab population of Palestine is 4.6 million. I bet the catholics are dancing in Ramallah Square... NOT!
And how crafty is Pope Frank? The Vatican’s recognition of Palestinian statehood provides an ideal cover for its own ambition to finally wrest control of Jerusalem from the Jews.
Kickin' ass and taking numbers. The Crusades are back.
And how crafty is Pope Frank? The Vatican’s recognition of Palestinian statehood provides an ideal cover for its own ambition to finally wrest control of Jerusalem from the Jews.
Kickin' ass and taking numbers. The Crusades are back.
“In a world whose absurdity appears to be so impenetrable, we simply must reach a greater degree of understanding among us, a greater sincerity.”
Re: Popestein
Hmmm...an ideal cover for its own ambition to finally wrest control of Jerusalem from the Jews.
Well, if he wants to do that, I think he'll need a better equipped army:
LJ. YOU DO KNOW THESE GUYS...
... are all ex-Vatican navy officers, don't you? An elite group of prostrating forces known as Quadrigis Sigillum VI.
“Non sibi sed papa.”
“Non sibi sed papa.”
“In a world whose absurdity appears to be so impenetrable, we simply must reach a greater degree of understanding among us, a greater sincerity.”