HOLY SEE RENEWS CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL STATUTE FOR JERUSALEM

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2000 (VIS) - Archbishop Renato Martino, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations, spoke yesterday in New York before the Special Political and Decolonization Committee of the 55th session of the General Assembly on Item 84, U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

"The recent outbreak of violence in many of the areas served by UNRWA is a cause of grave concern for my delegation," he said. He cited, as a result of the violence, the deaths, injuries, disruption of vital social services, and suffering undergone by families. "The Holy See calls upon the international community to continue to assist the Israelis and the Palestinians in bringing an end to violence and in addressing the basic issues of justice and freedom called for by Pope John Paul."

Archbishop Martino added that his delegation hoped that solutions to problems in the region "will include the question of the city of Jerusalem. In light of the recent violence, the Holy See renews its consistent call for an internationally guaranteed statute to safeguard the sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims," with "the proper recognition of the spiritual patrimony of the three monotheistic religions. ... Moreover, my delegation believes that the Holy Places should receive protection from their use for political gain."

He concluding by quoting the Holy Father's words to workers and volunteers at the Deheisheh refugee camp during his March pilgrimage to the Holy Land: "Believe in the task that you are fulfilling! Genuine and practical solidarity with those in need is not a favor conceded, it is a demand of our shared humanity and a recognition of the dignity of every human being."

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