Holy See welcomes UN recognition of Palestine
November 30, 2012
The Holy See is welcoming the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to grant Palestine the status of a non-observer member state.
“Today’s vote manifests the sentiment of the majority of the international community and recognizes a more significant presence to Palestinians within the United Nations,” the Holy See stated in a communiqué. “At the same time, it is the conviction of the Holy See that this result does not constitute, per se, a sufficient solution to the existing problems in the region: which, in fact, can only find an adequate response through the effective commitment to building peace and stability, in justice and in the respect for legitimate aspirations, both of the Israelis and of the Palestinians.”
Quoting Pope Benedict, the communiqué added:
No more bloodshed! No more fighting! No more terrorism! No more war! Instead let us break the vicious circle of violence. Let there be lasting peace based on justice, let there be genuine reconciliation and healing. Let it be universally recognized that the State of Israel has the right to exist, and to enjoy peace and security within internationally agreed borders. Let it be likewise acknowledged that the Palestinian people have a right to a sovereign independent homeland, to live with dignity and to travel freely. Let the two-state solution become a reality, not remain a dream.
The Holy See’s communiqué concluded with a renewed call for an “internationally guaranteed special statute for the City of Jerusalem, and aimed, in particular, to safeguarding the freedom of religion and of conscience, the identity and sacred character of Jerusalem as a holy city, respect for and freedom of access to its holy places.”
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Further information:
- The Holy See welcomes the decision of the UN by which Palestine has become an Observer State (full text) (Vatican Radio)
- Palestinians win de facto UN recognition of sovereign state (Reuters)
- Catholic leaders support Palestinian bid for UN recognition (CWN, 11/29)
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Posted by: Thomas429 -
Nov. 30, 2012 9:45 PM ET USA
There are five "Palestinian States". The only reason that there is any discussion of a sixth one is a combination of the unwillingness of the "Palestinians" who still claim "Refugee" status after sixty-three years to assimilate into the four predominantly Muslim states and the fact that those same states have refused to accept them. I can understand the aforementioned states reluctance when the behavior of the "Palestinians" in Jordan is considered. Their criminal behavior shouldn't be rewarded.
