Pope Endorses ‘State of Palestine’ in West Bank

[denem]

Last edited Sun May 25, 2014, 03:18 PM - Edit history (9)

Source: NY Times

ETHLEHEM, West Bank — Arriving here on Sunday, Pope Francis made an impassioned appeal for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and gave the Palestinians an uncommon boost by openly endorsing “the State of Palestine.”

Francis called for “a stable peace based on justice, on the recognition of the rights of every individual, and on mutual security,” and for intensified efforts for the creation of two states — meaning a Palestinian state alongside Israel — within internationally recognized borders.

“In expressing my closeness to those who suffer most from this conflict, I wish to state my heartfelt conviction that the time has come to put an end to this situation, which has become increasingly unacceptable,” he said in remarks after a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority.

Referring to Mr. Abbas as “a peacemaker,” the pope then attested to “the good relations existing between the Holy See and the State of Palestine,” according to an official translation of the speech provided by the Holy See press office

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/26/world/middleeast/pope-francis-west-bank.html?_r=0

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Pope Francis did not merely 'endorse' the State of Palestine, he recognised the legal legitimacy and standing of Palestine as a sovereign state, in accordance with the vote of the UN General Assembly. The pope attested to “the good relations existing between the Holy See and the State of Palestine", equating their sovereign relations: an uniquivocal statement by the Roman Church. In 2012, the Vatican voted in favour of admitting Palestine to the UN.

(pic) Pope says silent prayer at Israeli barrier wall.

Have fun in Israel, Francis.

[IronLionZion]

1. I worry for this Pope

God forbid if he should meet with some unfortunate accident, I would be VERY suspicious of foul play.

It would be great to see a peaceful and fair resolution of the I/P conflict in my lifetime.

[StoneCarver]

2. He's on the right track

The Pope is on the right track, but I still think Israel and the West bank should all be given to the UN and made a UN protectorate. It would be the first country that belonged to EVERYONE and no one. It is important to Jewish people, Muslim people and Christian people. Then there would be no reason to fight over it. The UN could run it like Disneyland, it opens at 8am and closes at 10pm -and everyone can come visit. Just a thought.

[7962]

3. You have GOT to be kidding.

[denem]

4. Agreed.

Wow.

[IronLionZion]

5. I think that was the original plan for the city of Jerusalem nt

[denem]

6. Yes. The November 1947 UN Resolution

envisaged Jerusalem being under special International Administration - permanently, to express to all, the Old City's critical place in Judaism , Christianity and Islam

[mulsh]

7. For someone who "did not 'endorse' the State of Palestine" he sure

did a lot of stuff that appears to contradict that opinion. Stoping in the West Bank before going to Israel is just one of those actions. There a few other actions an quotes in the article that indicate he does 'endorse' it.

[denem]

8. He went beyond 'endorsing'

Last edited Sun May 25, 2014, 03:07 PM - Edit history (1)

he 'Recognised the State of Palestine'. He did not just endorse Palestine's right to exist, he recognised its international legal standing as a sovereign state.

[mulsh]

13. thanks for clarifying this. Good to see a pope recognizing Palestine right to exist.

n/t

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

9. "the legal legitimacy of Palestine" !!! What an anti-Semite!!!

Because you just know the hasbaristas will be getting their marching orders...

[denem]

10. In 1998, many would have laughed at such 'ignorance'

sadly, it is not so, today.

[Martin Eden]

11. How would the "Two State" solution become a reality?

The West Bank is peppered with Jewish settlements and roads connecting those settlements. I don't see how a sovereign state of Palestine is viable when it is sliced & diced by settlements & roads controlled by Israel. Therefore, either the settlements must be abandoned or Israelis living in the West Bank must agree to live under Palestinian authority.

Under what circumstances will either of those scenarios unfold, and what is the likelihood of that happening in the foreseeable future?

[fujiyama]

12. And most are armed to the teeth

I don't even know how Israel would get them out even if they tried. It was bad enough getting them out of Gaza. The West Bank would be even more difficult. And forget it happening under the current government. Netanyahu had resigned due to disagreeing with Sharon over the Gaza withdrawal.

[McCamy Taylor]

14. Thank Buddha I am not a monotheist...