BICOM

Israeli officials said yesterday that the Vatican’s decision to officially recognise a Palestinian state for the first time would merely encourage the Palestinian leadership to stay away from direct peace talks with Israel.

The Vatican yesterday signed a treaty regarding the activities of the Catholic Church in Palestinian territories. The Holy See agreed to sign the agreement with the State of Palestine, rather than the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which has previously been the Vatican’s bilateral partner. Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, the Vatican’s deputy foreign minister said that the treaty “aims to enhance the life and activities of the Catholic Church and its recognition at the judicial level.”

Although it was the Vatican’s first codified recognition of a Palestinian state, the Holy See welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state in 2012, the same status that the Vatican itself enjoys. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi commented, “We have recognized the State of Palestine ever since it was given recognition by the United Nations and it is already listed as the State of Palestine in our official yearbook.” Indeed, during a visit to the region last year, Pope Francis referred to the “State of Palestine.”

Nonetheless, Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded to yesterday’s news saying that it was “disappointed.” A statement explained “This move does not promote the peace process and distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct and bilateral negotiations.”

Continuing the theme, American Jewish Congress Executive Director David Harris said, “There is a reason why the US, the European Union and others have long agreed that statehood can only be achieved through direct, bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.” World powers, especially the United States, have refused to support Palestinian unilateral moves for recognition in international bodies and forums, as it would undermine the process of direct talks in pursuit of a two-state solution.