CAN Calls For Fast Tracking of BASA Between Nigeria and Israel
The Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Head of the federal government delegation to the
2012 Christian pilgrimage, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has called on the
Israeli authorities to fast track the Bilateral Air Service Agreement
(BASA) between Israel and Nigeria so as to reduce the stress Nigerian pilgrims go through.
Pastor
Oritsejafor said this while speaking during a courtesy call to the Israeli
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the meeting with ground handlers held in
Israel called on Israeli Authorities to push up the issue of BASA from
their own side while Nigeria will do her own side.
He
stressed the need for the Israeli authorities to facilitate the
clearance of Pilgrims from the airport to reduce the stress the go
through.
The
CAN President while requesting for a permanent permit for Nigerian
Pilgrims Desk Officer in Israel, appealed for visa approval period to be
reduced from five to three days.
Oritsejafor said there exist of a strong bond between Nigeria and the state of Israel.
He
said the Israeli Government should let Nigeria's love for them reflect
in the relationship with the Nigerian people so that the country can
also benefit from this relationship with the State of Israel.
In
his response, Ari Granot, the Head of the African Division of Israeli
Ministry of Foreign Affairs while reiterating the existing relationship
between the two countries said Israel has a lot to offer Nigeria in
terms of historical sites and monuments.
He
stated that Israel is linked to Africa historically and geographically,
adding that the bond between the two countries is quite strong.
According to him, Israel has become like a second home to many Nigerians who come in yearly to fulfill their spiritual desires.
Regretting
the recent insurgency that erupted between Israel and Palestine which
he said was as a result of fanatics and extremism, Granot maintained
that the problem has been contained.
