ABBAS SPOKE WITH POPE FRANCIS, EL-SISI ON THE ONGOING ISRAELI AGGRESSION IN JERUSALEM

President Palestinie Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: World Bulletin)

Al-Quds, 5 Dhulhijjah 1436/19 September 2015 (MINA) – President Mahmoud Abbas had a telephone conversation with His Holiness Pope Francis on Thursday evening to talk about the situation in Jerusalem. President Abbas briefed His Holiness on the ongoing Israeli aggression in Occupied East Jerusalem, and particularly against Al Aqsa Mosque, and expressed the Palestinian concern that Israel is turning a political issue into a religious conflict.

Pope Francis expressed the concerns of the Holy See about the current situation in Jerusalem. The Pope warned against the rising of intolerance and extremism, adding that he is also against turning the situation into a religious conflict.

President Abbas also briefed Pope Francis about the latest developments in the Cremisan Area of Beit Jala, Bethlehem, where Israeli Occupation Forces began to build the illegal annexation Wall on land of Palestinian Christian families, Palestine News Network quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The two leaders also spoke about the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly. Pope Francis referred to President Abbas as a man of peace whose hand is extended to reach a solution. His Holiness expressed his determination to continue striving for peace.

President Abbas concluded by thanking the Holy See for their positions in supporting peace and justice; including the recognition of the State of Palestine, the support for raising the Palestinian flag at the United Nations as well as the Canonization of two Palestinian women, Saint Marie Alphonsine Ghattas and Saint Mariam Baouardi.

Also tonight, a telephone conversation took place between President Abbas and his Egyptian counterpart President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to talk about the recent developments in the Occupied State of Palestine, and particularly about the latest Israeli attacks and violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

President Sisi expressed Egypt’s support to Palestine and encouraged its efforts in international forums in order to preserve the rights of the people of Palestine. (T/P002/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)