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Politics : WAR on Terror. Will it engulf the Entire Middle East? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Machaon who wrote (875)	12/1/2001 7:47:28 PM
From: Scoobah	Respond to of 32591

Christians and Catholics are about to be taught new lessons in Islamic history: Clergyman warns of sectarian strife over mosque construction By The Associated Press Israel's top Roman Catholic clergyman warned Saturday of possible sectarian strife if Muslims go ahead with the construction of a large mosque next to a major Christian shrine in Jesus' boyhood town. Israel's previous government had given the Islamic Movement in Nazareth permission in principle to build a mosque next to the Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the spot where tradition says the Angel Gabriel foretold the birth of Jesus. Construction crews have been digging a large pit outside the basilica in recent weeks, even though not all building permits have been issued yet. Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah said Saturday that Israel's government supported the mosque construction for political reasons, but did not explain further. Sabbah warned of possible sectarian strife over the mosque construction. During Easter 1999, the issue sparked street clashes between Muslim and Christian residents of the city of 70,000. "There are some who want to inflame sectarianism," Sabbah told a news conference at the basilica. "My message to each and every Muslim and Christian is to be aware of such sectarianism and of the embers beneath the ashes." The construction has gone ahead despite protests by the Vatican and by the 13 heads of the major Christian denominations in the Israel. The dispute first arose when the Nazareth municipality approved a plan for the construction of a paved plaza outside the basilica for the tens of thousands of pilgrims expected during millennium celebrations. The Islamic Movement in Nazareth protested the plan, setting up a mosque tent on the plaza. Israeli government mediators eventually approved a Muslim request to build the mosque at the site. The government said at the time that the Muslims could build a mosque on one-third of the land the plaza covers. The Lands Authority has ordered the mosque construction halted. However, a construction crew using cranes was working at the site Saturday. The workers refused to talk to reporters, saying they were there for work, and not to get involved in the dispute.