HOLY SEE SPEAKS AT U.N. ON WORK BY UNRWA IN MIDEAST

VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop Renato Martino, head of the Holy See Observer Delegation to the United Nations, addressed the Special Political and Decolonization Committee of the 57th Session of the General Assembly on the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

The archbishop, president-elect of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, expressed the delegation's "praise and appreciation for the work of the Agency." He noted that "many of the critical issues festering in the region served by UNRWA" include "settlements, curfews, closures, assassinations, suicide bombers as well as the effects upon the Palestinian people regarding employment, education and access to medical services."

The Holy See understands the current situation, he added, because "the Pontifical Mission for Palestine and its numerous collaborators worldwide report daily on the trials of those people served." The Mission "relies heavily on its collaborators, in order to provide financial support for its work among the Palestinian people, especially those living in refugee camps." Its annual budget is $10.7 million.

The nuncio quoted Pope John Paul II, who, at the August 11, 2002, Angelus remarked: "When will it be understood that the coexistence of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples cannot be brought about by arms? ... From 1967 till today, unspeakable sufferings have followed one upon another in a frightening manner. ... Faced with this humanitarian tragedy, which does not seem to show any signs of hope, no one can remain indifferent."

Archbishop Martino proposed "that the international community must assist the Palestinians and the Israelis to realize that the fundamental injustice causing the continuous spiral of retaliations must come to an end. Also, the findings of the Mitchell Report of May 6, 2001, clearly identified the occupation of Palestinian lands by Israel as the root cause of the sufferings which plague both Israelis and Palestinians. ... The massive application of violence has failed and failed miserably. It has increased the sufferings of both Israelis and Palestinians."

"It is the hope of my Delegation," he affirmed, "that any solution found for the multifaceted problems of the region will include the Holy City of Jerusalem" and involve "internationally guaranteed provisions to ensure the freedom of religion and conscience of its inhabitants, in order to safeguard the special character of the City and of the sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims."

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