Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
May 10, 2009

Israeli Group Says Government Plan Cements Hold on Jerusalem
------------------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=24277B9:A6F02AD83191E160539B005A5F5F16EE98CBE7246176B735&
 
Ir Amim says the government plan will dramatically alter an area that is
home to sites holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims 
An Israeli rights group says a government plan to develop parks and
tourist sites in east Jerusalem will significantly change the landscape
of the contested city and cement Israel's hold there. With the Dome of
the Rock Mosque in the background, Israeli Air Force Fuga aircraft fly
over Jerusalem's Old City as they practice for Independence day The
group, Ir Amim, said Sunday the government plan will dramatically alter
an area that is home to sites holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. It
said it appears the changes are being made in order to strengthen
Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel captured east Jerusalem in
1967 and annexed it. Palestinians hope to make east Jerusalem the
capital of a future Palestinian state. Ir Amim says the Israeli
government has largely kept the plan secret and has not solicited input
from the city's Christians and Muslims or held any public discussions on
the matter. The Israeli government says the new development will benefit
all of Jerusalem's residents. The report by Ir Amim comes ahead of Pope
Benedict's first visit to Jerusalem on Monday. Some information for this
report was provided by AFP and AP.


.