JERUSALEM, Apr 23, 02 (FIDES/CWNews.com) - Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met on Tuesday morning in Bethlehem's Manger Square, in the long-awaited first talks aimed at resolving the standoff at the Basilica of the Nativity there.
Father David Jaeger, a spokesman for the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, told the Fides news service: "We, with the entire Christian world, are praying that the sides will quickly agree to a peaceful solution."
Fides reports that the negotiators will attempt to resolve three main issues:
1) Humanitarian concerns: Franciscan friars inside the basilica have repeatedly asked for restoration of their water and electrical supply, for food and for medical help. They also ask for the removal of two corpses: the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire.
2) Identification of alleged terrorists. The Israeli Defense Forces claim that 10 of the 200 Palestinians inside the church are terrorists. The Palestinian negotiating team-- led by Bethlehem's Mayor Hanna Nasser-- wants a list of those suspects. That identification would clarify the situation for the other Palestinians, they note.
3) Evacuation plans. The most difficult issue might be the evacuation of the church. Palestinians have proposed moving the 10 terrorist suspects, under the custody of the Red Cross or the Holy See, to the Gaza Strip. Israeli leaders want them arrested and exiled. The treatment of the other Palestinian gunmen-- those who are not accused of terrorist involvement-- must also be resolved before they willingly leave the church.
Catholic World News Feature
23. april 2002