VATICAN, Nov. 7, 00 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican has issued another call to Israeli and Palestinian partisans, urging them to come together in negotiations and end the cycle of violence in the Holy Land.
The Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue issued a statement: "We call upon Jews and Palestinians to overcome the violence and engage once again in dialogue, which is the only way to true peace."
The Council's statement also repeated the Vatican's insistence on international status for the city of Jerusalem. "There can be not exclusive pretentions over the city," the statement read. "Jerusalem belongs to the spiritual patrimony of all humanity. There must be free access to the holy places, especially for Jews, Christians, and Muslims."
The statement expresses sorrow over the "numerous victims" of recent violence, and the "serious deterioration" of the situation. "Religious leaders must be conscience of their own responsibilities in this area," the Vatican statement says. "Hatred and the spirit of vengeance must never be encouraged."
Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update
7. november 2000