Today, the Latin Patriarch, in cooperation with the University of Notre Dame, inaugurated Within Your Gates, a forum that brings together scholars, religious, and civic leaders to study and publicise the “universal vocation of Jerusalem”. The prelate asks “with honesty and humility” what purpose this city serves and what it asks of us.
It is their second tripartite meeting of foreign ministers. All three want to strengthen mutual economic and political ties as well as enhance relations with other countries. Meanwhile Sino Indian trade booms.
The huge rally goes off without a hitch. Ruling coalition leaders accuse Syria and reiterate their support for the international tribunal. Ghassan Tueni repeats his assassinated son’s oath: Never again war between Christians and Muslims.
Putin gets the red carpet treatment in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He tries to position Russia as an alternative ally to the US for all three. Peace but also energy and trade are discussed. Saudi Arabia has been looking east for some time.
At least 3 dead and 20 wounded in two bomb explosions that tore two buses apart. Lebanon’s majority parties see the attacks as attempt to thwart tomorrow’s commemoration of the second anniversary of the former premier’s murder.
Recent days saw clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians protesters. The suspension of works serves to make the Arab population aware that there are no “ulterior motives” behind the construction of the bridge.
Hospitalised too late, a young woman and a child die. In South Korea, an additional 300,000 birds are culled. Strict quarantine fails to stop the virus carried by migratory birds. Other outbreaks reported in Hong Kong and Turkey.
US officers present Iranian-made missiles, EFPs and mortar shells blamed for the death of 170 coalition soldiers. The presence of officers from Iran’s al-Qods Brigade is proof that the leadership of the Islamic Republic is involved.
A treaty would provide the Church legal protection in Israel and Palestine as part of a multilateral pact that would address the issue of Jerusalem’s international status.
In an interview with AsiaNews, Bernard Sabela, Fatah MP in Jerusalem, gave his views about the Palestinian accord: it is a great step ahead and now the United States, Europe and Israel should not lose time and should trust us.
Israel and the United States are demanding that the announcement of the formation of a national unity government be followed by recognition of Israel and by a commitment to put an end to terrorism. Russia and the UN Secretary-general have responded positively and the EU cautiously. The Saudi diplomatic success is bound to have a bearing on the balance of power in the Middle East.
Condoleezza Rice gives green light to US diplomats to talk with Damascus about the humanitarian emergency facing Iraqi refugees. About 800,000 are in Syria itself. UN is set to convene an international conference on the matter.
Yesterday Arabs took to the streets to protest a government decision to transfer them to their lands of origin from the city where they had been brought under Saddam’s rule. The oil-rich city is desired by many and a referendum this year to decide its status is worrying countries from the US to Turkey. The risk of a new warfront there is also a threat to the Christian community.
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