Catholics ask Israeli leader to help stop Christian sites’ attacksFebruary 27, 2012 - 21:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A top Roman Catholic official has taken the rare step of asking Israel's president to help put an end to attacks on Christian holy sites, AP reported. The custodian of holy places in the Holy Land, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, recalled in his letter sent Sunday, February 26 to President Shimon Peres that vandals spray-painted "Death to Christians" and "We'll crucify you" on the Baptist Church in Jerusalem and similar hate graffiti on a Greek Orthodox monastery in the city. Pizzaballa wrote that "red lines that must not be crossed have been crossed" and asked Peres' help to eradicate "this dangerous phenomenon." The anti-Christian graffiti is suspected to be the work of Jewish extremists who have attacked various targets, including Christian and Muslim holy sites as well as Israeli military equipment, to protest what they believe to be anti-settler positions by the government. Peres' office said the president took the appeal "very seriously" and was working on the matter personally. It said top advisers have already been in touch with Pizzaballa, and were working with Jerusalem City Hall and national ministries to prevent further violence against Christian sites. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. Armenian Foreign Minister regrets “tragic loss” of Iranian counterpart The Armenian Foreign Ministry has expressed shock over the death of the Iranian President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. |