Pontiff tells the Palestinian Authority leader it's necessary to 'reactivate direct dialogue in order to achieve a two-state solution'
www.timesofisrael.com
From the article:
It “reiterated that Jerusalem must be recognized by all as a place of encounter and not of conflict, and that its status must preserve its identity and universal value as a Holy City for all three Abrahamic religions.”
With the Vatican at the helm, no doubt.
It is amazing how much of Israel they want to be granted to them. I'll try to link tomorrow... it's getting late over here.
In the meantime, here is an excerpt from an article written over 21 years ago, c. Pope John Paul II-- 31 July 2000:
Vatican Wants Role In Jerusalem Accord
The Vatican wants a say in trying to bring the Israeli-Palestinian talks to a peaceful accord...
The Vatican made clear during the talks that it, along with Israel and the Palestinians, holds its own distinct position on the city, sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike...
... the Vatican has a different vision for Jerusalem, long-held and so strongly felt that Pope John Paul II publicly reminded Camp David's powerbrokers of it during the talks.
Urging all sides "not to overlook the importance of the spiritual dimension of the city of Jerusalem," John Paul repeated the Holy See's insistence that international oversight - "a special statute, internationally guaranteed" - would best safeguard the city's holy sites and all its religions.
In February, the Palestinians and the Vatican signed an accord that, among other conditions regarding Palestinian territory, calls for international safeguards of freedom of religion in Jerusalem.
I think a lot of people have a tendency to underestimate them, concerning the middle east. Good eye.
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