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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |