Azhar, Vatican's Permanent Committee voice concern over situation in Palestine

The joint Permanent Committee of Al-Azhar for dialogue with the monotheistic religions and the pontifical council for multi-faith dialogue, issued during its annual meeting on sunday, a statement on the situation in the Palestinian territories.

The committee condemns the blocking of access to the Holy Site in jerusalem or any act which would endanger the holy city.

The committee's President Fawzi El-Zafzaf attended the meetings, held at Al-Azhar Premises, on behalf of Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi.

The committee's vice President Ali El-samman and adviser to the Grand Sheikh participated in the meeting.

Also, Head of the Pontifical Council for multi-faith dialogue Cardinal Francis Arens took part in the meeting.

Following is the text of the statement:

1-The Committee has reviewed the human situation arising from the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territories, and has expressed indignation at the increased loss of life, the bodily harm, the damage to property, the destruction of the means of livelihood and other sufferings inflicted on the population, especially in the unjustly occupied territories.

2- The Committee expresses solidarity with and compassion for all the victims and their families.

3- The Committee expresses hope that peace based on justice and international legitimacy may prevail, thus, bringing an end to these sufferings.

4-The Committee appeals to religious leaders to continue to contribute effectively to help promote a climate conducive to peace, by reminding all parties concerned that the true basis of peace is justice and mutual respect.

5-In light of this grave situation, the committee voices supports the efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the issue of Holy Places in Nazareth, welcoming the proposals to resolve the issue and condemning attempts to exploit the solution to sow the seeds of animosity and sedition between christians and muslims.

6- The Committee reaffirms the special character of Jerusalem for the three monotheistic religions, snd, therefore, condemns any breaches of the principle of religious freedom, particularly the blocking of access to the Holy Places,flaring up of violence, or acts which would endanger the Holy Sites.

The joint committee of the Permanent Committee of Al-Azhar and the vatican expressed indignation at the loss of life in the unjustly occupied territories and asserted that peace and justice could are inseparable.