THE ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE
Real Estate Department
Contact person: Fr. Pakrad Bourjekian
Tel/Fax: 972-26271079
Email: armre@netvision.net.il

PRESS RELEASE (COMMUNIQU� 3)

THE STATE OF ISRAEL HAS CONCEDED TO WITHDRAW FROM ITS INTENTION TO SEIZE A
LARGE PORTION OF THE BARON-DER PROPERTY

Following negotiations between the representatives of the Armenian Orthodox
Patriarchate in Israel, the Ministry of Defense of the State of Israel has
conceded to withdraw from its intention to seize a large portion of the
Baron-Der property, for the purpose of structuring a security fence between
Jerusalem and the north part of Bethlehem.

The Baron-Der property consists of about 143 (36 acres) dunams of
agricultural land cultivated with olive trees (1600 trees), antiquities and
the ancient tombs. Baron-Der has been for generations a center by the
Armenian Patriarchate for devotion and hermitages.

In May 2002, the State of Israel announced it will construct a security
fence between Jerusalem and the Aida refugee Camp, located at the north
part of Bethlehem, in a route that would split the Baron-Der property and
render it impossible for use.

Following negotiations, the State of Israel conceded to relocate the route
of the fence, and the possession of the Baron-Der property was given back
to the Armenian Patriarchate, except for a stripe at the southern edge of
the property, to be temporarily used for security and defense purposes.

The State of Israel has acknowledged the right of the Armenian Patriarchate
to have free access to the Baron-Der property, in order to cultivate the
land and the olive trees, the right of free pilgrimage to the property and
the right to perform religious services. The State of Israel has also
agreed to compensate the Armenian Patriarchate for the damages caused.

The Armenian Patriarchate, for all the moral support rendered in the issue
of Baron-Der, expresses its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Armenia, to the Hierarchical Heads of the Armenian Orthodox Church, to
the Diocesan Leaders, to the Armenian and non-Armenian organizations, and
especially to His Holiness the Pope John-Paul II and His Holiness Alexey
II, the Patriarch of all Russia, who at the request of His Holiness the
Catholicos of all Armenia, prayed for the peaceful settlement of the issue.

26 November 2002
Jerusalem

Real Estate Department of the Armenian Patriarchate

* * *

The Eastern Diocese likewise conveys its gratitude to the public for the
concern and support it showed regarding the Baron Der issue.

--11/27/02