ABDUL-QADER: "ISRAEL ISSUED ORDERS TO DEMOLISH CONSTRUCTIONS BELONGING TO EAST JERUSALEM CHURCH"

International Middle East Media Center

April 30 2009

Hatim Abdul-Qader, Jerusalem Affairs advisor to the Palestinian Prime
Minister, stated on Wednesday at night that the Jerusalem Municipality
issued orders to demolish constructions that are located in historical
churches and monasteries in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Abdul-Qader stated that some Christian leaders in Jerusalem asked him
to intervene and stop an Israeli order to demolish two floors built
on top of the Armenian Church in the Old City.

The Church is one of the main Christian sites and was built more than
150 years ago; it is built on Church land and registered under the
name of the Belgium king.

Abdul-Qader added that the building was constructed as a residence
for priests and clergymen who come from the Vatican to visit Jerusalem.

He stated that the Israeli decision is a violation to Christian Holy
sites, and considered it a challenge to the Pope who will be visiting
the region.

"Such a decision reveals the Israeli intentions to wipe Arab, Muslim
and Christian history in Jerusalem", Abdul-Qader stated, "This is
yet another Israeli violation that disregards Christian and Muslim
presence and identity in the holy city".

He added that the Pope, who will be visiting the region, will be
informed on the Israeli violations, and will also be informed on the
illegal Israeli measures baring Muslim and Christian Palestinians
from reaching their holy sites.