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Thursday 14 May 2015 - 11:50 Makkah mean time-25-7-1436
 Vatican City (IINA) – The Vatican has officially recognized the state of Palestine in a new treaty finalized Wednesday, immediately sparking Israeli ire and accusations that the move hurt peace prospects, AP reported.
The treaty, which concerns the activities of the Catholic Church in Palestinian territory, makes clear that the Holy See has switched its diplomatic recognition from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to the state of Palestine.
The Vatican had welcomed the decision of the UN General Assembly in 2012 to recognize Palestinian state. But the treaty is the first legal document negotiated between the Holy See and the Palestinian state and constitutes official diplomatic recognition.
"Yes, it's a recognition that the state exists," said the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi.
The Israeli foreign ministry said it was "disappointed."
"This move does not promote the peace process and distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct and bilateral negotiations," the ministry said in a text message.
The Vatican State said in a statement that the agreement will be submitted to respective authorities for approval ahead of setting of a date in the near future for it to be signed.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to meet Pope Francis on Saturday.
AB/IINA
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