Vatican condemns statement against Israel, new Holy Land violence

Published: 2005-10-31

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican condemned a new round of violence in the Holy Land and said recent statements questioning Israel's right to exist were "unacceptable." The Vatican statement was issued Oct. 28, two days after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denounced the policies of Israel and said the country should be "wiped off the map." His comments drew widespread criticism and calls by some for sanctions against Iran. Without mentioning Iran by name, the Vatican statement said it firmly condemned "certain statements, particularly serious and unacceptable, in which Israel's right to exist is denied." It said, "The Holy See reaffirms on this occasion the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security, each in their own sovereign state."

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