U.S. Department of State asked to report on Jerusalem, the security barrier, Israel and the Vatican
A hearing which took place at the U.S. Congress' Committee on International Relations confirms friendship with Israel, but also calls attention to the human rights of Palestinians; Jerusalem's multi-cultural identity; activation of the Israel-Holy See Fundamental Agreement.
Washington (AsiaNews) - An unprecedented event took place at the U.S. Congress several days ago: various figures (in particular 2 congressmen, a priest and various experts on religious freedom), who despite being "friends" of Israel, criticized the Israeli state with regard to the security barrier, Jerusalem and Israel's failure to activate the Fundamental Agreement signed with the Holy See, and asked the Department of State to report on these issues.
The hearing, which took place last June 30, was convened by federal legislator Chris Smith, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Human Rights of Congress's Committee on International Relations. Smith is among the strongest supporters of US-Israel friendship. He noted however that a true friend does not allow "his friends to fail to respect the rights of others." He also spoke of the serious consequences -- especially in terms of human rights -- being caused in Jerusalem and in the West Bank by the contruction of the security barrier. He said that the barrier's placement "is not guided by security considerations only" On the problems caused by the barrier, the sub-committee also heard the testimony of the parish priest of Aboud, a village in the West Bank.
Exceptionally, Congressman Henry Hyde, Chairman of the Committee on International Relations, testified at the hearing, asking that more attention be given to the question of Jerusalem, keystone for peace in the region. He stressed the importance of maintaining "the Holy City's multicultural identity in order to perserve the pluralistic nature of the Holy Land...The rapid decline of Jerusalem's interreligious fibre jeopardizes American interests in the city and values shared by Americans of all faiths."
Participants in the meeting expressed their appreciation for Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop emeritus of Washington, who for many years played an important role in advising the U.S. government of the Catholic Church's concerns in various parts of the world, including the Holy Land.
Another result of the hearing was a request made to the Department of State to report on the Fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and the state of Israel. Two years ago the Israeli government had stated (to the Supreme Court) that it was not bound by the Agreement, which Israel signed in 1993 and ratified in 1994. Negogiations for the implementation of the accord with the Vatican -- which so far have been held spordically -- also seem to be stalled for the moment.
This initiative is seen as a sign of Washington's profound concern regarding certain Israeli policies in the West Bank, as well as concern for the Christian community in the Holy Land, which depends to a significant extent on Israel's implementation of the bilateral Fundamental Agreement signed with the Holy See. (MR)
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