’Israel’ Disappointed after Vatican Officially Recognizes Palestinian State
Local Editor
The treaty, which concerns the activities of the Catholic Church in Palestinian territory, makes clear that the Holy See has switched its diplomatic recognition from the Palestine Liberation Organization to the state of Palestine.
The agreement "aims to enhance the life and activities of the Catholic Church and its recognition at the judicial level," said Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, the Vatican's deputy foreign minister who led its six-person delegation in the talks.
The Vatican had welcomed the decision by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to recognize a Palestinian state. But the treaty is the first legal document negotiated between the Holy See and the Palestinian state and constitutes an official recognition.
"We have recognized the State of Palestine ever since it was given recognition by the United Nations and it is already listed as the State of Palestine in our official yearbook," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.
In response, the "Israeli" foreign ministry said it was "disappointed" by the development.
"This move does not promote the ‘peace' process and distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct and bilateral negotiations," the ministry said in a text message. "Israel" will study the agreement and will consider its steps accordingly."
The treaty was finalized days before Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas visits Pope Francis at the Vatican. Abbas is heading to Rome to attend Francis' canonization Sunday of two new saints from the Holy Land.
The Vatican's foreign minister, Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, acknowledged the change in status, given that the treaty was initially inked with the PLO and is now being finalized with the state of Palestine.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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