BYE BYE GAZA - Barry Chamish

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trusted? The Vatican's legal advisor in Israel, David
Jaeger, harshly criticized Israel‟s policy regarding
safeguarding Christian holy sites. Speaking during an
international conference at a Haifa University conference
Tuesday, Jaeger said Jerusalem is an important city the
fate of which should not be left in the hands of Israel and
the Palestinians.
http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=5094
Talks continue between Israel and the Holy See, in the
post-Sharon crisis
Tel Aviv (AsiaNews) – Negotiations continue between Israel
and the Holy See to reach a comprehensive bilateral accord,
despite the difficult political situation in Israel following Ariel
Sharon‟s illness. Delegations of the Holy See and the State
of Israel have continued today, Wednesday, January 11,
their negotiations aimed at reaching the "comprehensive
agreement" mandated by the 1993 Fundamental Agreement,
on the fiscal status of the Church in Israel, and on safeguarding
ecclesiastical property, especially Holy Sites. The
previous meeting took place last November 24; parties have
agreed to hold their next meetings on May 17 and 18. In the
meantime the bilateral "Working Group" on properties the
Churches wishes to recover will continue its work, and other
consultations also will continue between the parties' legal
experts. Sharon's departure from the political scene
could cause some worry to the Catholic negotiators,
given Premier Sharon's decisive role in making his
colleagues and subordinates take seriously the
relationship with the Catholic Church and resume
negotiations with the Holy See, even when other
government elements were inclined to go in other
directions. It was Washington that persuaded Sharon of
the importance of paying due attention to the Catholic
Church, and it will fall to Washington to continue to
press this matter on his successors, both before and
after elections in Israel.
HOPE AND TRAGEDY