GREEK PATRIARCH: RECOGNITION, BEIT SAHOUR HOME

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 000225

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR U/S BURNS, ALSO NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NEA/IPA FOR
WILLIAMS/SHAMPAINE; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/WATERS;

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2017
TAGS: PREL KWBG PBTS KHUM KPAL IS
SUBJECT: GREEK PATRIARCH: RECOGNITION, BEIT SAHOUR HOME
DEMOLITIONS

REF: A. JERUSALEM 3915 (2005)

B. JERUSALEM 0215

Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: In a February 1 meeting, the Consul General
and Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church in
Jerusalem, discussed the Greek Orthodox Church's role in
inter-faith dialogue. Theophilos requested USG assistance to
obtain Israeli recognition of him as Patriarch and to prevent
the demolition of 41 homes in Beit Sahour, some of which are
on land owned by the Patriarchite (see ref B regarding the
Beit Sahour issue). End Summary.


2. (C) The Consul General met with Theophilos III, the
Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem on
February 1. Theophilos, who has still not been recognized by
the GOI as the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church despite
his election to the position in August 2005, asked for USG
assistance in gaining formal recognition from the GOI. He
indicated that he believes the GOI is withholding recognition
of him and continuing to recognize former Patriarch Irineos
in order to pressure the Patriarchite to conclude certain
land deals. He said associates of PM Olmert have a vested
interest in these deals, but he will not allow the
Patriarchite to be treated as a "real estate agency." He
insisted "it must be respected." Theophilos noted that the
Israeli police presence that protects Irineos while he
remains in the Patriarch's apartment is a provocation.
Theophilos added that many of his constituents who are
Palestinians want to politicize this issue and use it as a
tool to criticize the GOI. He said he does not want such a
confrontation, but he wants the GOI to recognize him, and he
believes quiet USG intervention on his behalf would be
useful.


3. (C) Theophilos also described problems with Ateret
HaCohanim, a right-wing Israel organization pursuing
properties in the Old City. The patriarch said the group had
attempted to implicate him in questionable activities by
depositing money in Patriarchite bank accounts. He described
another instance where his car was blocked by a car with
members of Ateret HaCohanim. When he exited his vehicle,
group leader Dan Matti approached Theophilos in order to have
the two photographed together.


4. (C) Theophilos also requested USG assistance regarding
possible home demolitions in Beit Sahour. He said there are
demolition orders for 41 homes, including three structures
that are part of a Greek Orthodox housing project on
church-owned land. Theophilos noted that the USG had
successfully intervened on behalf of the church and the
predominantly Christian Beit Sahour community in 2002 when
similar demolition orders were issued. He said that in most
cases he has found the IDF responsive to his community's
concerns, but in this case, the IDF has said security
requires the demolition of these homes. The Consul General
told Theophilos that the Consulate is in touch with the mayor
of Beit Sahour and was also contacted by the Greek Consul
General.
WALLES