Bethlehem evacuees to get sanctuary this week

The 13 Palestinian militants evacuated from the siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem will be given sanctuary in Europe this week, the Spanish presidency of the European Union said yesterday, after talks that left one issue unresolved.

After weekend negotiations, Spain said that a plan will be approved on Tuesday or Wednesday about the destination of the 13 men – all on Israel's wanted list – who are waiting at a luxury hotel in Cyprus.

Over the weekend the Spanish presidency said it has reached agreement on which countries will accommodate the men, with three each destined for Spain and Italy, two for Greece and Ireland, and one for Portugal, Cyprus and Belgium.

The one unresolved detail is which individuals go to which countries. Officials say they need to ensure that the Palestinian destined for Belgium does not already face criminal charges there, as its laws allow for the prosecution of war crimes committed anywhere.

Under the deal the men will have temporary protection for 12 months, but not refugee status.