Holy See appreciates the commitment to re-launching the Middle East peace process
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Appreciation for the renewed commitment to the Middle east peace process and the difficult situation faced by Catholic living in Palestine were the focal point of discussions between the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, and Benedict XVI, during the Palestinian leaders visit to the Vatican today where he was also received by Cardinal secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone.
A statement released by the Holy See reads “The cordial discussions covered issues pertaining to the current situation in the Middle East. The Holy Father communicated his appreciation for the recent peacemaking efforts, which have included efforts by the International community as well as increased meetings between the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships. The internal Palestinian situation was also discussed; the pope expressed his concern for Palestinian Christians, highlighting the contribution Christians make to Palestinian society”.
Abu Mazen arrived at the Vatican at 12 noon, amid tight security. Benedict XVI met him in the throne room, welcoming him in English, the language in which the entire conversation was held. “Good day Your Holiness – answered Abu Mazen – how are you?".
The Pontiff led the President through to his private library, seating him at his desk. After 12 minutes of private talks, the doors were reopened and Abu Mazen presented his entourage to the Pope.
Benedict XVI presented the President with a gift of a great coin, printed for his pontificate mounted on wood and closed in a white box.
The PA leaders visit to Italy and the Vatican comes amid a moment of opposing tensions: on the one hand, the hope with which the Saudi peace proposal was met – to which even the Vatican statement seems to refer, which names neither Israel nor Palestine directly – and on the other the tensions highlighted yesterday by the resignation of the Palestinian Interior Minister Hani Kawasmeh and today – Israeli Independence Day – by the Ezzedine al-Qassam brigade - the Hamas armed wings revindication of a series of Qassam rocket attacks on the Hebrew State. The brigade has declared that the five month cease fire with Israel is now “non existent”.
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