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03/27/2002 Entry: "Palestine"

From the United Methodist News Service:

Officers of the World Methodist Council believe Israel must end itsoccupation of Palestine in order to achieve peace in the region.

"We believe the fundamental requirement for a settlement and an enduringpeace has two parts: the prompt end of the Israeli occupation of Palestinianareas and a withdrawal to the borders of June 4, 1967, which includesJerusalem and the land upon which settlements have been constructed duringalmost 35 years of military occupation," said a letter signed by HisEminence Sunday C. Mbang of Nigeria, council president, and the Rev. GeorgeFreeman, top staff executive.

Officers approved the March 22 letter during a meeting at the council'sheadquarters in Lake Junaluska, N.C. It was sent to U.S. President GeorgeBush, Israeli President Ariel Sharon, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat,British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

"We understand the pain experienced within the present situation in theMiddle East," the World Methodist Council leaders wrote. "However, webelieve that the disproportionate use of violence or initiatives furtherdiminishes hopes or aspirations for peace with security."

As the current conflict appears to spin out of control, the officers saidthey join with the Israelis and Palestinians who believe that only a returnto the 1967 borders will bring peace. "The Saudi proposal offers this, andwe believe it is the best hope presently voiced. Neither Israeli militaryforce and incursions that destroy Palestinian infrastructure, hopes andproperty - not to speak of innocent lives - or Palestinian suicide bomberswill offer peace or the opportunity for people on both sides to 'get on withtheir lives.'"

The letter urges the politicians to use their authority to bring about "acomplete separation to the 1967 lines, including Jerusalem, as it was formedin 1948, and to the borders as Palestine was drawn before the occupation ofthe Palestinian area ... by the Israeli army in June 1967."