Posted on 05/02/2002 10:46:24 AM PDT by krodriguesdc
MIDDLE EAST, 2 MAY 2002 (16:36)
BETHLEHEM: ISRAELI MILITARY AUTHORITIES SAY “NO” TO VATICAN ENVOY CARDINAL ETCHAGARAY
For the moment the hypothesis of a visit of the Holy See envoy in the Nativity complex has been ruled out. Israeli authorities in fact rejected the entry request of the French Cardinal Roger Etchagaray, sent by the Pontiff to the Holy Land to favour a rapid and peaceful solution to the siege of the holy sites of Bethlehem, underway since April 2.
The Cardinal will not be able to visit the Church built in the birthplace of Jesus. Some 160 Palestinians, including a dozen Tanzim militiamen accused of terrorism by Israel, are holed up in the complex. Israeli military authorities for the moment have no intention of conceding any permits: Bethlehem remains a city in state of war under Israeli occupation, therefore not even the envoy of Pope John Paul II will be allowed access.
Cardinal Etchegaray was received this morning by the President of Israel Moshe Katzav to discuss a series of hypothesis to unblock Bethlehem negotiations. A first would be the exit from the complex of all the Palestinians, with an identification process by Israeli soldiers and the arrest of any subjects wanted for security reasons.
As referred by local sources, another alternative suggested by Katzav is that the Palestinians accused of terrorism be transferred to another wing of the Nativity complex, while the negotiations proceed for an end to the siege. The mixed Israeli-Palestinian commission was suspended on Sunday when Israel refused to consign food to the Palestinians occupying the Basilica.
The Mayor of Bethlehem this morning told MISNA that the Palestinians are attending the convocation of a new meeting by Israeli military authorities. (BO)
Move along, Cardinal ! Nobody here for you to molest.
Screw you, scumbag!!!
1. I apologize for my wisecrack
2. I apologize for using up bandwith for a meaningless exchange of unpleasantries.
3. I'll play nice.
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