.- Catholic Patriarchs of the East have condemned terrorism and affirmed the right of the Palestinian people to live side by side with Israel.
The patriarchs took this position in a statement issued Dec. 2 at the conclusion of their 15th annual conference at the Latin Church in Amman.
Patriarch Michael Sabah read the final statement, saying that misunderstandings about religion and the absence of real democracy are the reasons related to terrorism in the region. The statement made specific reference to the recent terrorist attacks on three hotels in Amman. The statement also said occupation and all other forms of violence must end between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
It underlined the right of Iraqis to live in peace and security, noting the importance of international efforts to end this humanitarian tragedy
The people of the Arab region suffer from hunger, frustration, unemployment, and occupation, said the statement. It urged Christians to cooperate with all sides to spread values of freedom, democracy, pluralism, human rights, tolerance, mutual respect, justice, and peace.
