PALESTINE, NOV. 29, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop Maroun Laham, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, expressed the support of Palestinian Christians of the request to recognize Palestine as a UN non-member State Observer. The request will be formally submitted to the United Nations by President Mahmoud Abbas tomorrow.
«The Churches of the Holy Land in a unanimous manner support the step taken by the Palestinian National Authority. The soul and the prayers of the Christians of Holy Land ask that this step is accomplished,» Archbishop Laham said in an interview with Fides Agency.
The Palestinian prelate also stated that «every step towards the recognition of a Palestinian state is a good thing. And despite all the obstacles, it is undeniable that certain steps have been carried out since the time when the Palestinians were only refugees without a country. «
The recognition of Palestine as an Observer at the United Nations, according to Archbishop Laham, would also allow reconciliation at an internal level between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
«For example, Palestine may appeal to the International Tribunal in The Hague, to denounce the attacks against human rights suffered by the Palestinians. And at an internal level, as President [Mahmoud Abbas] said, the granting of the request may favor Palestinian reconciliation and the strengthening of the National Authority. As is known, the leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, telephoned President Abbas to express his support for the initiative,» Archbishop Lahoun said.Palestinian Christians have expressed their optimism on the success of the UN vote. France, Russia and China also support the request.
«If things go as they should, on Sunday I will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving, inviting representatives of the Palestinian Authority,» said Fr. Raed Abusahliah, a pastor in Ramallah to Fides Agency
