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Photo: AFP
Pope in Bethlehem
Photo: AFP

Pope to Palestinians: I'm aware of your suffering

Benedict XVI visits Palestinian Authority; Erekat: Visit amounts to call to end occupation

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says the pope's visit to the West Bank Wednesday amounts to "a call to end injustice and end occupation."

 

Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Bethlehem, Jesus' traditional birthplace, for a one-day visit

Palestinians hope will draw attention to their suffering. The pontiff's motorcade drove through a crossing in Israel's West Bank separation barrier to reach the cradle of Christianity.

 

Later, the pope called for a sovereign Palestinian homeland as he started his visit.

 

"The Holy See supports the right of your people to a sovereign Palestinian homeland in the land of your forefathers, secure and at peace with its neighbors, within internationally

recognized borders," he said during a speech in Bethlehem at the palace of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

 

Benedict XVI said he was aware of Palestinian suffering, which he added has been going on for dozens of years now. He expressed his hope that the Palestinians will enjoy greater freedom of movement and be able to visit the holy sites.

 

The pope was greeted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and is scheduled to tour the Church of the Nativity and visit a Palestinian refugee camp.

 

In his welcoming remarks, Abbas said: "Your message to the peoples of the Holy Land is hope that tomorrow there will be no occupation, refugees and prisoners, but rather, co-existence and prosperity at the Holy Land. The time has come for the suffering to end and for love and peace to prevail."

 

Christians are a dwindling minority among Palestinians. Bethlehem's Christians say they hope the pope's visit will discourage further Christian emigration.

 

Roee Nahmias and Ali Waked contributed to the story

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.13.09, 10:02
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