EN
9 August 2002 - 16:01 AMT

TEL-AVIV NOT GOING TO CHALLENGE OWNERSHIP OF JERUSALEM ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE LANDS

“The Israeli government is not at all challenging the ownership right of the Jerusalem Armenian patriarchate on the outskirts of Bethlehem.” Israeli ambassador to US Daniel Ayalon stated it in response to the continuing international campaign against seizure of the lands of the Jerusalem Armenian patriarchate by the Israeli army. In the ambassador’s words, Tel-Aviv “will need access to this part of the land for a temporary basis to prevent spread of terrorism in the country.” Meanwhile, the Israeli Army lately insisted that the land seizure is irreversible and has indicated that it will begin construction of the security fence between Israel and Palestine in the very near future. Let us note that at present the Armenian patriarchate appeals the decision in court.