Amman (Agenzia Fides) – "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. "So Archbishop Maroun Laham, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, describes to Fides Agency the expectations of the Christian community regarding the request to recognize Palestine as a UN non-member State observer that tomorrow will be submitted to the UN by President Abu Mazen.
For Mgr. Lahham "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. " According to the Archbishop, the recognition of the Palestinian state as an Observer at the UN will have not insignificant practical consequences. "For example – notes Mgr. Lahham – 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 Abu Mazen said, the granting of the request may favour 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. "
Between Palestinian Christians optimism prevails on the success of the UN vote. The Palestinian request is also supported by France, Russia and China. "If things go as they should, on Sunday I will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving, inviting representatives of the Palestinian Authority," said to Fides Agency Fr. Raed Abusahliah, a pastor in Ramallah.
