POPE APPLAUDS PEACE PROPOSALS FOR ETHIOPIA-ERITREA DISPUTE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 3, 1999 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience held in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul stated: "Following the sad news of intense bloody conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea in recent days, it has been learned that these two countries are expected to adhere to the peace proposals put forward by the Organization of African Unity.

He concluded: "I commend this wise decision, which I accompany with fervent prayer. This is the only way to put an end to fratricidal strife, to give people peace in their hearts and to promote a new style of government and co-existence on the African Continent."

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