Acta Francisci Pp. 169

Re-committing themselves to the terms expounded in the Preamble to the

aforementioned Basic Agreement which declared "that an equitable solution

for the issue of Jerusalem, based on international resolutions, is fundamen-

tal for a just and lasting peace..., and that unilateral decisions and actions

altering the specific character and status of Jerusalem are morally and

legally unacceptable";

Reiterating, in this regard, that a just and lasting peace should be achieved

through agreement between the Palestinian and Israeli authorities and that

any illegal unilateral measure, of whatever kind, is null and void, morally

unacceptable and creates obstacles to the search for peace;

Looking forward to achieve and attain the above mentioned shared noble

objectives;

Desirous of furthering the relationship between the Holy See and the State

of Palestine;

Agree on the following Articles:

Chapter I

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND NORMS

Article 1

§ 1. This Agreement has been made taking into account the provisions

and mutual obligations established in the Basic Agreement between

the Holy See and the Palestine Liberation Organization which was

signed and entered into force on 15 February 2000.

§ 2. In recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determi-

nation, including the right to their independent and sovereign state,

the Holy See recognizes the State of Palestine and welcomes its ad-

mission to the United Nations as a Non-Member Observer State.

§ 3. This Agreement applies to the entire territory under Palestinian

sovereignty in accordance with international law.

§ 4. Upon entry into force of this Agreement, the Holy See and the State

of Palestine shall upgrade their diplomatic relations at the levels

which shall be determined by the Parties, in accordance with rele-

vant international law provisions.