Shows support for enthroned patriarch Israel refuses to recognize
By Aaron Klein
JERUSALEM – Incensing some officials here, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday met and held a photo opportunity with a man enthroned two years ago as Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem even though Israel won't recognize his leadership.
The Israeli government has withheld support for Theofilos III, elected patriarch in 2005 amid charges of church irregularities, due to his position on canceling the sale to Jewish groups of church land comprising much of a key entrance to Jerusalem's Old City. Theofilos also has been quoted by church officials as opposing the sale of Jerusalem property to Jews.
Ownership of the land in question – two hotels that comprise a large section of the Jaffa Gate, the principal entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem – could be crucial in the future status of Jerusalem during upcoming Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Previous U.S.-backed proposals have allotted Jewish-owned sections of Jerusalem to Israel and Arab-occupied real estate to the Palestinians.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other Israeli officials hinted the past few days the Israeli government may be willing to evacuate parts of Jerusalem.
Rice yesterday met Theofilos and other church ...   more »

In an exclusive One Jerusalem bloggers call, Congressman Eric Cantor, Chief Deputy Republican Whip, announced the introduction today of his House Resolution 756 which condemns the destruction of Jewish and Christian religious artifacts on the Temple Mount. The Resolution criticizes the actions of the Waqf -- The Muslim Religious Authority.
In an interview which covered a lot of topics, Congressman Cantor expressed concern about the summit being proposed by the Bush Administration. Congressman Cantor believes that the time is not ripe for a comprehensive settlement of the outstanding issues between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
Congressman Cantor clearly defended Israel's right, as a sovereign democratic country, to determine its own policies -- especially when they concern the security of the State of Israel.
The Congressman also agreed with Rick Richman that the time is right for a Congressional investigation into the use of American tax dollars to train Palestinian security forces.
Congressman Cantor provided crisp, informative answers to the questions posed.
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