Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Peace in the Holy Land, "in respect of United Nations resolutions and standing agreements", "unanimity in condemning all forms of terrorism no matter what the pretext for seeking to justify these" and "relations between the state of Israel and the Holy See in the light of Agreements signed in 1993 and 1997, such as relations between Israeli authorities with the Christian communities in the country."  These were the main topics of discussion for Shimon Peres' meetings today at the Vatican, according to a statement by Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro.

On visit to the Vatican today, former Israeli prime minister and current right-hand-man to future prime minister Olmert, Shimon Peres had a 40-minute meeting with Benedict XVI, to whom he renewed Israel's invitation to visit the country, and also met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State.

In a press conference following these meetings, the Israeli statesman maintained that "improving relations between Israel and the Vatican is a matter of renewing dialogue at two levels: political and financial."

Concerning more in particular the fulfilment of bilateral agreements, which Israel is continuing to neglect, and which would serve to guarantee the Church's legal and economic status in the country, Peres said, "We agreed on increasing the level of negotiations and concluding them as quickly as possible."  The problems that exist in this regard are numerous: the most recent case involves the hospice, convent and church of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.  This prestigious charity institute is in fact the target of an alliance between the Israeli government and entrepreneurs which is putting pressure on the nuns to sell the property to various private companies.  In their latest appeal, the nuns have denounced this plot to the district court of Jerusalem.

Peres also pledged his concern for the question of access to the Holy Sites.  "Even in this case," he said, "it is a matter of improving the situation, including in Nazareth, so that pilgrims can always find a friendly and conducive atmosphere for their visits.