The "plenary" session had been planned for longtime. They were working to a “comprehensive agreement” on legal and fiscal security for the Church in Israel. The process was started by the magnanimity and trust of John Paul II. Disappointment and pain among Church officials.
Washington’s decision to participate in talks with Damascus and Teheran for the stabilization of Iraq could lead to the unblocking of peace negotiations between Israel and Syria and also influence the Lebanese crisis.
Attention is persistently focused on the PNA and the Road Map but it is only the PLO that could take part in an international conference to pave the way for “two States”. What’s more, the organization has not been tainted by Islamist organizations so far.
Holy See- State of Israel: “Some progress” in today’s meeting
Yesterday, addressing the diplomatic corps, the pope talked about a “global approach”, pressing for an international peace conference that would include Syria too. The Vatican is acting as a catalyst and even Olmert may be interested. An analysis by our correspondent.
Bishops and Catholic experts explain and clarify the position of the Holy See in talks with Israel. The Church is not seeking “privileges” but only recognition of those rights that Israel itself has promised several times over to observe.
Both parties speak of progress. Next meeting scheduled for January 29.
The unannounced visit by an Israeli delegation to the Vatican Secretariat of State is a good sign that a new, more positive atmosphere is developing between the State of Israel and the Holy See.
Despite some mistakes, rhetoric and naivete, Europe's idea is making inroads among Palestine and Israel's silent majority. US role will be crucial.
The inclusion of the Israel Betanu party creates problems in the ruling coalition and also in the relationship with Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. Liebermann is known as a "racist". The only positive point: Israel Betenu is a secular party that (perhaps) will fight for civil marriage, as yet non-existent in Israel.
Catholic and Hebrew experts will meet tomorrow for a conference on Jewish, Israeli and Church laws.
The lock had been stolen and replaced in summer of 2002 by some Greek Orthodox monks, who thus effectively prevented access to Catholics and Armenians. Now the "common" one has been restored in its place. This is thanks to the Palestinian Authority and the new patriarch Theophilos, and there are hopes that it is a sign of things to come.
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