Egypt court deadline looms for Saint Catherine's Monastery status
An October 22 deadline approaches for reaching an agreement on the status and properties of Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai peninsula. The situation is a major issue for Greece during the current pre-election period. According to Kathimerini, the critical moment comes before October 24, when a stay on an Egyptian Supreme Court decision expires.
Athens considers another extension unlikely after four previous delays. Negotiators face stalling from factions in Egypt and a divided monastic brotherhood. One dissenting monk stated there is no chance the decision will be announced on October 24 and accused those involved of trying to mislead.
Giorgos Kalantzis, a Greek official, has traveled to Jerusalem seeking the intervention of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which holds jurisdiction over the monastery. The report draws on material from Kathimerini and was published by The National Herald.
Main points
- October 22 deadline for agreement on monastery status and properties
- Egyptian Supreme Court stay expires October 24 after four previous delays
- Greek officials see further extension as unlikely
- Divided monastic brotherhood and Egyptian factions stall negotiations
- Greek official Giorgos Kalantzis seeks Patriarchate of Jerusalem intervention