Netanyahu prevents Palestinian clergy from getting into Akka

Jerusalem bishop for the Greek-Catholic Church in exile, Helarione Kappucci, said that Israeli Premier Netanyahu prevented Archbishop Butrous al-Muallim from getting into occupied Palestine in order to assume his post in Akka patriarchy in Galilee.

In a statement he issued on Thursday in the Vatican, Kappucci was quoted as saying that Netanyahu's measure contradict the agreement signed between Israel and the Vatican.

The agreement provides for the total independence of the Catholic church on the spiritual, religious and administrative levels, a matter which prevents Israel from interfering in the affairs of the church.

Kappucci denied statements made by Netanyahu that he played a role in appointing al-Mu'allim.