DECLARATION FROM ISLAMIC-CATHOLIC LIAISON COMMITTEE

VATICAN CITY, APR 15, 2002 (VIS) - Following is the entire text of a declaration released this afternoon by the Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee and signed by Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and by Prof. Dr. Hamid A. al-Rifaie, president of the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue. The original text is English.

"What has happened and is still happening in the Holy Land cannot leave anyone indifferent. Muslims, Christians and Jews, along with all peace-loving persons and men and women of good will, are called to common action in order to put an end to this terrible tragedy and to work together towards establishing a just and lasting peace. Accordingly:

"1. We call for an immediate cease-fire, and the withdrawal of the war machine, so as to save human lives, especially those of innocent people, in particular children, women and the elderly.

"2. We appeal for an end to the destruction of property, whether dwellings or other buildings, and the uprooting of plantations and the destruction of other means of livelihood.

"3. We appeal for respect for the rights of civilians in a war situation; nobody should be prevented from access to water, food, medical care, and all the necessities of life. We condemn the denial of such access being used as an arm in the conflict.

"4. We appeal for respect for the sacred character of the Holy Places whose indemnity should be guaranteed.

"5. We are convinced that violence breeds violence. The circle of violence must be stopped. We attest and assert that dialogue is the only way out of the present impasse. We therefore call for negotiations that will lead to a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, allowing them to live in freedom, security and peace within their own respective independent States.

"6. As believers in the One and Only God, we Christians and Muslims recognize that peace is first of all a gift from the Almighty. Hence we call for constant prayer for peace, and support all initiatives in this line, as well as other initiatives from within the region or elsewhere in favour of a peaceful solution to the conflict."

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