BYE BYE GAZA - Barry Chamish

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And those who still refuse to acknowledge the depth of the
Vatican's role in Israel's coming disintegration, consider how
distraught it is since Sharon's sudden exit from power:
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.