The European Union (EU) foreign policy chief has criticized Israel’s decision to impose taxes on church-owned properties in Occupied Jerusalem.
“We hope that a solution can be found quickly. Jerusalem is a holy city to the three monotheistic religions. This special status and character of the city must be preserved and respected by all” Federica Mogherini told a joint news conference held on Monday in Brussels with Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi.
Last Sunday Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher closed its doors in protest of a new Israeli tax policy to be pursued against church-owned mortmain property.
Palestinian Christian leaders say the move aims to protest stated intents by the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem to levy taxes on church properties and a proposed bill in the Israeli parliament the Knesset that would make it harder for them to sell property.
Mogherini added that the Middle East peace process would be discussed during her meeting with Arab foreign ministers and Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Abul Gheit.
On Israeli-Palestinian relations Mogherini said “a negotiated two-state solution with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states Israel and Palestine is the only viable and realistic way to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of both parties and achieve long-term peace.”
Mogherini also described all Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as illegal and obstacles to peace.
