HOLY SEE POSITION ON KOSOVO CRISIS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 1999 (VIS) - In response to journalists' questions on the Holy See position concerning the current crisis in Kosovo, the Holy See Press Office made the following declaration yesterday afternoon:

"1. The Holy See has always been close to the people of Kosovo who have been suffering greatly for more than a year now. Pope John Paul II has publicly spoken many times to ask the parties concerned to commit themselves to sincere dialogue, also encouraging the international community to help them (the parties concerned) to find a solution to their legitimate aspirations.

"2. For this reason, the Holy See deeply appreciates the commitment on the part of the international community, particularly of European countries, shown in these days at Rambouillet to help all to walk the path of sincere dialogue. She hopes that a lasting and peaceful solution to the contention will be found, respecting the principles of international law and in the conviction that recourse to arms always brings serious risks and deep suffering to civilians.

"3. The Holy Father's call of January 20, 1999 still holds: 'We ask God with renewed trust that where there is hate, there may be an outpouring of the Father's mercy, reawakening the consciences of all those who guide the future of the peoples and encouraging all souls to work for peace.'"

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