DECLARATIONS FROM HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, MAR 20, 1999 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls today made a declaration on the President of the Republic of Colombia's audience with the Pope and another on the visit of a Holy See delegation to Vietnam.

The declaration on the visit of Colombia's president states: "In the course of the cordial meeting, and in the ensuing audience with Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the tragic earthquake which struck Colombia in January and caused many victims and damage to the population, was recalled. The important problem of peace in Colombia itself was then discussed, as well as relations between Church and State in the light of the existing concordat. In conclusion, reference was made to inter-American cooperation in the Organization of American States and in relations with Europe."

The second declaration states: "The Holy See delegation, with Msgr. Celestino Migliore, under-secretary for Relations with States, and Msgr. Barnaba Nguyen Van Phuong, official at the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, returned to Rome yesterday, March 19, following a five-day visit to Vietnam.

"The delegation met with members of the Permanent Council of the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam and also held meetings with deputy vice-minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nguyen Di Nien, and with the president of the Office for Religious Affairs, Mr. Le Quang Vinh.

"Various aspects of the presence and life of the Catholic Church in the country were reviewed with the government authorities. The appointment of bishops was discussed, for which a positive answer from the Vietnamese is expected in the near future. The issue of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Holy See was touched upon, establishing foundations for future negotiations in this regard.

"The delegation visited Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiet. During the Masses celebrated in the two southern episcopal sees on the 17th and 18th, and in the capital on the 19th on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, patron of the archdiocese of Hanoi, the many faithful present expressed their true hope on behalf of all Catholics of the country for a papal visit to Vietnam."

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