Mogherini criticizes Israel’s decision to impose taxes on Jerusalem churches

Mogherini criticizes of Israel decision to impose taxes on Jerusalem churches

BRUSSELS, Feb. 27 (YPA) – The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mugrini on Monday criticized the decision of the Israeli occupation authorities to impose taxes on church property in occupied Jerusalem, Mugrini said during a joint press conference with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Mugrini said that she would discuss in Brussels with Arab foreign ministers and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the process of settlement in the Middle East.

She expressed its support for a settlement based on the two-state solution, with Jerusalem as capital, renewing the European Union’s position that all Israeli settlement units are illegal.

The municipality in Jerusalem announced its intention to start collecting funds from the Christian churches, called taxes on real estate and land owned throughout the city.

The Church of “Qiama” in Jerusalem, which is the holiest place for Christians and a major destination for pilgrims, was closed to protest the Israeli authorities’ decision to impose taxes on church property in the city.

The number of Christians in Jerusalem now ranges from 10 to 12,000, out of a total population of 300 thousand.

Sameera Hassn