wfn.org | Vatican Supports International Conference for Holy Land Peace

[JerusalemRelOrgs@aol.com]

For information, contatct:
Fr. Raed Abusahlia
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
P.O.Box  14152 - Jerusalem 97500
E-mail address: latinpat@actcom.co.il
Patriarchate's Homepage: www.lpj.org

BETHLEHEM, May 10, 2002-- Following the end of the siege in Bethlehem, the
Vatican leaders are pushing for an international conference aimed at bringing
a lasting peace to the Holy Land.

     Hours after the liberation of the Basilica of the Nativity, Israeli
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres was received by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican
secretary of state, and by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Vatican secretary
for relations with states, according to reports reaching church leaders here.

     A Vatican press statement said that although "the meeting took place,
fortunately, in the context of the happy outcome of the siege of Bethlehem4s
Basilica of the Nativity, one must not forget the grave problems that are
still an obstacle to peace."

     The statement, released by Vatican spokesman Joaqumn Navarro-Valls after
the meeting, explained that "on the part of the Holy See, reference was made
to the line promoted by the Holy Father and his collaborators to find a
peaceful solution to the problems, thanks to a persevering and loyal dialogue
between the parties, with the help of the international community."

             Navarro-Valls added that during the meeting "a plan was also
discussed for an international peace conference, which should end with
specific commitments for a just and lasting peace."

     In an interview with the Italian magazine Panorama, Israeli Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon said: "I would like the conference to take place in
Italy. I leave it up to the government of Rome to choose the place."

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