Nuncio says resumed Israeli-Vatican negotiations result in progress

Published: 2004-09-10

ROME (CNS) -- Stalled negotiations between Israel and the Holy See resumed in Jerusalem and resulted in "considerable progress," said the region's papal nuncio. "A few difficulties persist, but I hope the willingness to fulfill the 'fundamental agreement' fully continues," Archbishop Pietro Sambi told the Italian-based missionary news agency, Asianews, Sept. 10. Israel and the Holy See signed the "fundamental agreement" in 1993; they established diplomatic relations in 1994. Concordats within the agreement were to follow to guarantee the rights and freedom of the Catholic Church in Israel, but Israel has not enacted the agreement. Further negotiations over the bilateral accord came to a standstill when Israel withdrew its delegation from talks in August 2003. Archbishop Sambi, the pope's representative to Israel and the Palestinian territories, headed the Vatican delegation in the resumed talks with Israel's Foreign Ministry Sept. 6-9.

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