Palestinians attack more West Bank churches

JENIN, West Bank, Sep 17 (Reuters) Palestinians attacked more churches in the occupied West Bank today in reaction to parts of a speech made by Pope Benedict that referred to Islam, witnesses said.

The attacks, following similar incidents on Friday and yesterday, caused minor damage but no injuries.

In the town of Tubas outside of Jenin, a group of Palestinians set fire to a Roman Catholic church, causing minor damage before the flames were put out, witnesses said.

A Roman Catholic church in the town of Tulkarm also sustained damage in a fire. Witnesses said they saw a man set the fire in the early morning.

No one claimed responsibility for either of the attacks.

In a speech last week in Germany, the Pope repeated criticism of the Prophet Mohammad by the 14th century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus.

The Vatican yesterday said the Pope was sorry his comments had caused offence. His remarks sparked outcry across the Arab world.

Michel Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Nablus today after five churches in the West Bank city were attacked over the weekend.

''The attacks will not affect the solid relations among Muslim and Christian Palestinians,'' said Sabah, a Palestinian.

REUTERS LL RK1415