BETHLEHEM update 21.04.2002

Regarding the "possible pacific solution" mentioned during the meeting, at the General Curia of the Order of Friars Minor, with the Palestinian Representative in Italy, of which we have already given news, we specify the following:

Rreference was made to the proposal, known by the Parties since the beginning of the crisis, and subsequently rendered public, according to which the currently besieged armed men in the Sanctuary could be accompanied, under international guarantees, to the independent Palestinian territory of Gaza.

In such a way the crisis would be resolved peacefully, obtaining the evacuation of the Sanctuary and the adjacent buildings, the restitution of the sacred character to the Basilica and the Monastery, and safeguarding the incolumity of all.

Obviously, as said previously "it is up to the Parties to discuss and to accept" a pacific solution, this or other. However, the existence of this proposal evidently removes every possibility to justify the incredible procrastination to which we have assisted up to now, from one party and the other.

Custody Main