|
|
 |
|
CNS Story:
|
HAMAS-PIZZABALLA Jan-27-2006 (370 words) With photos posted Jan. 26. xxxi
Franciscan official says Hamas victory worries Holy Land Christians
By John Thavis
Catholic News Service
ROME (CNS) -- The victory of the militant Islamic group Hamas in Palestinian elections has worried the Christian community in the Holy Land, said a leading church official.
Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, head of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, said the Hamas movement's willingness to use terrorism for political ends was one of the most troubling elements.
He said he hoped governing would prove to be a moderating experience for Hamas leaders, who will now have to learn the art of compromise.
Father Pizzaballa spoke at a press conference in Rome Jan. 27, two days after Hamas swept to a surprising parliamentary victory over the secular Fatah Party, which had controlled the Palestinian Authority.
Father Pizzaballa said church leaders in the region were generally suspending judgment until they learned details of Hamas' governing program and heard the tone of its statements.
"There are no reasons to be afraid, but there are reasons to be worried," Father Pizzaballa said.
"Hamas has been an opposition movement, a movement that did not hesitate to use terrorism, kamikazes, for its political ends," he said. That is causing anxiety for Christians and for all moderate Palestinians, he said.
At the same time, he said, "the hard and pure language of opposition has to come to terms with the reality of governing, which necessarily means compromise. So we'll have to wait and see."
"The Islamic mold of Hamas certainly prompts many questions among Christians. Above all in the cities where Christians are a small minority, people are asking, 'What will become of us? What will they do?'" he said.
It is possible, he said, that the situation will become more difficult for Christians, not so much on account of the government's programs but because of the activities of small groups at the local level.
"But we shouldn't overdramatize the situation. Reactions are always exaggerated at first, but I think things will settle down," he said.
Father Pizzaballa said he thought the Hamas victory was caused by a "strong protest vote" reflecting popular dissatisfaction over internal politics and corruption, dim economic prospects and a breakdown in public order.
"There was a desire to turn the page," he said.
END
Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250
|
|
|
|
