DECLARATION ON VISIT BY YASSER ARAFAT TO POPE JOHN PAUL

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls on the audience granted this morning by Pope John Paul to Yasser Arafat, president of the Palestinian Authority:

"During the cordial meeting there was an exchange of news concerning the current situation in the Middle East, and particularly on the prospect of progress in negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, with special attention paid to the city of Jerusalem.

"Mr. Arafat reiterated his invitation to the Holy Father to visit the city of Bethlehem, where the Pope's presence is awaited with fervor. John Paul II once again accepted the invitation.

"Following the audience with the Holy Father, Mr. Arafat was received by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State. Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States also took part in the meeting."

OP;VISIT ARAFAT;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19990219;Word: 170;