The Vatican formally recognized Palestine as a state yesterday, with the signing of a treaty -- the product of 15 years of negotiations -- the Big News Network website reports today (June 27, 2015).
The agreement involves "essential aspects of the life and activity of the Catholic Church in the State of Palestine," a Vatican statement said.
The acknowledgement of Palestine's identity, Vatican ambassador Archbishop Paul Gallagher said, is meant to be a "stimulus to bringing a definitive end to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to cause suffering for both parties." He added he hoped the "much desired two-state solution may become a reality as soon as possible."
The Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed its disappointment at the diplomatic maneuver, calling it a "hasty step" which "distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct and bilateral negotiations" with Israel over a two-state solution to their conflict.
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