The Holy See expresses “regrets” over meeting cancelled by Israeli delegation

(29 Mar. 2007) : The Holy See expressed its regret that the Israeli delegation will not attend the plenary meeting of the Permanent Bilateral Working Commission between the Holy See and the state of Israel that was scheduled to take place on Friday in the Vatican. The meeting was supposed to deal with some issues relating to the Fundamental Agreement that was signed on December 30, 1993, and came into effect on March 10 1994. The Holy See Press Office on Thursday clarified: "On March 26, the Israeli delegation made known the impossibility of its participating in the meeting, due to the international political situation. The Holy See, while understanding the reasons, notes the circumstance with disappointment and hopes as soon as possible to be able to agree with the Israeli side a new date for calling the plenary." The plenary of the Commission has not met for the past five years and must conduct the negotiations that should lead to an “overall treaty” on questions such as taxation and Church property that are still pending in Israel. It should also provide the Church of that country the legal and fiscal security it needs.