HOLY FATHER RECEIVES GERMAN CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 1999 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration this afternoon:

"This morning the Holy Father received in audience Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of the Federal Republic of Germany who, immediately afterwards, met with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"During the course of the meetings the principal themes of the moment were reviewed, with particular emphasis on the dramatic situation in the Balkans and on the possibility of reaching as soon as possible a just and honorable solution to the problems in the region.

"In his meeting with the Pope, Chancellor Schroeder extended cordial wishes for his birthday today."

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