RABAT, June 15 (KUNA) — Morocco expressed Friday deep concern that a negotiated accord between the Vatican and Israel could lead to the Vatican’s recognition of the Israeli illegal annexation of East Jerusalem.
In a press statement, Morocco’s Foreign Ministry urged the Vatican not to take any move that entails a recognition of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
Media reports about a Vatican-Israeli deal, which involves tax status and other financial issues concerning Church properties in the Holy Land, has triggered uproar as Palestinians and many Arab and Muslim nations said the deal would result in a de facto recognition of Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem.
The statement added that Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Committee, an affiliate to the Organization of Islamic Organization chaired by Moroccan Monarch Mohammad VI, has received with anger the reports about the yet-to-be signed accord.
It said that this deal violates international law and would be a serious precedent on this sensitive issue.
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry also urged all parties to abide by international resolutions that call for retaining the special character of the holy city and to consider any measure to change its status, illegal.
Facing great criticism, the Vatican announced Tuesday that the economic agreement with Israel will not mean the de facto recognition of Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem.
Vatican diplomat Monsignor Ettore Balestrero, who is negotiating the agreement, said the accord has nothing to do with the political status of the holy city.
Palestinians intend for East Jerusalem to be the capital of any apparent future Palestinian state. Israel annexed East Jerusalem in the 1967 war, a move that has not been recognized by the international community.(end) adt.ibi KUNA 151934 Jun 12NNNN
