Muslims and Christians of Palestine on the same level struggle for independence of the Palestinian State. About it the ambassador of the Palestinian autonomy in Ukraine, Dr. Mohammad Al-Asaad stated in his interview to the portal "Religion in Ukraine". "There are a lot of famous Christians who were killed for the sake of the Palestinian statehood", he said.
The ambassador denied the spread in mass-media of the message on infringement of freedom of religion of Christians in Palestine.
"Any act of terrorism or murder is just a criminal offense, not connected with religion in any way", Al-Asaad emphasized, answering the question on murder in 2007 in Gaza Strip of a well-known Christian active worker, Rami Khader Ayyad.
He told that in Gaza there are a lot of Christians, though the mode of HAMAS party, supervising Gaza Strip, can be considered pro-Islamic.
"Nevertheless, it is difficult to find religious motives in the actions of radicalists", the ambassador, who belongs to FATH party, noticed.
Pilgrimage place
Even despite the difficult situation, every year to Palestine come about 2 million foreigners for pilgrimage, informed Al-Asaad, having told what the people who visited Palestine have seen and have experienced: each believer can easily perform the rituals, prayers to God. After "Israel" cancelled visa regime for tourists from Ukraine, the tourist's stream from our country increased, he marks.According to his data, in 2011 about 20 000 – 25 000 Ukrainians visited Palestine that profited the autonomy.
Therefore Al-Asaad considers that development of relations between two states goes on in the correct way."I am assured that any visit, whatever character it has, terminates with very good impressions of Ukrainians, as Palestinians are benevolent and hospitable. Even despite difficult conditions".
The Ukrainian Christians for the independent Palestine
Palestine with satisfaction considers position of Ukraine regarding settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"The Christianity which stems from Kiev still from the ancient times treated Palestine benevolently and kindly", the ambassador marked.
Proceeding from his experience of dialogue with representatives of all faiths, represented in Ukraine, he does not agree with the opinion that the Ukrainian Christians tend to support "Israel" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On the contrary, according to his observations, Ukrainian Churches support the process of peaceful, bloodless settlement of the conflict.
"We support Palestine in its aspiration to be the independent state on the world map", he heard from all.
Let us notice that for today in Palestine are represented all faiths, including about 55000 Christians who are integral part of the Palestinian people.
The Palestinian Muslims consider Christians as absolutely equal partners in the dialogue, Al-Asaad tells.
By "Religion in Ukraine"
