[아시아라운드업] 로마교황청 팔레스타인 ‘국가지위’ 공식 인정
[아시아엔=편집국] 로마교황청이 팔레스타인의 국가지위를 공식으로 인정했다고 <AP>가 13일 보도했다. 교황청은 5월13일 팔레스타인해방기구(PLO) 대신 팔레스타인국가(The State of Palestaine)으로 변경해 공식외교문서를 작성했다. 이는 교황청이 팔레스타인해방기구를 국가로 공식 인정한 것을 의미한다. 앞서 교황청은 2012년 “팔레스타인을 공식국가로 인정한다는 UN의 결정을 지지한다”고 밝힌 바 있다.
교황청의 ‘팔레스타인 국가’ 인정은 5월16일 마무드 아바스 팔레스타인 자치정부 수반의 바티칸 방문을 앞두고 전격적으로 이뤄졌다. 팔레스타인 독립국 건설을 반대해온 이스라엘 외교부는 이에 대해 “교황청의 발표는 이스라엘-팔레스타인 평화협상에 도움을 주지 않을 것”이라고 밝혔다.
<AP> The Vatican officially recognizes ‘Palestinian’ state in new treaty
The Vatican has officially recognized the Palestinian state in a new treaty, which was finalized on 13th May, 2015. The treaty is yet to be signed though and states clearly that the Holy See has switched its diplomatic relations from the Palestinian Liberation Organization to the “state of Palestine”.
The treaty is the first legal document negotiated between the Vatican and the state of Palestine, thus making it an official recognition. In 2012, the Vatican had welcomed the UN General Assembly’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
“Yes, it’s a recognition that the state exists,” said the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi.
Predictably, Israeli Foreign Ministry called it a “disappointment” and said the move would not help the peace process and “distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct and bilateral negotiations.” Furthermore, it said it would study the treaty agreement and “consider its steps accordingly”.
The treaty comes before Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s visit to the Vatican for the canonization of two new saints. The saints, Mariam Bawardi and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, lived in Ottoman-ruled Palestine in 19th century and will be the first from the region to receive sainthood since the early days of Christianity. They will also be the first Arabic-speaking Catholic saints.
Mr. Zaid al-Bandak, an advisor on Christian affairs to the Palestinian leader, said, “This canonization has a meaning for the whole Palestinian nation. It’s a very important thing for Palestinians, whether they’re Muslim or Christian.”
President Abbas’ senior aide, Nabil Shaath said, “This is a very important recognition as the Vatican has a very important political status that stems from its spiritual status. We expect more EU countries to follow.”
Today, Christians are a tiny minority in the birthplace of Christianity, making up less than two percent of the total population of Palestine and Israel.