POPE WELCOMES EIGHT NEW AMBASSADORS TO THE HOLY SEE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received eight new ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, including the first ever envoy from the Republic of Yemen, in a ceremony for the collective presentation of their Letters of Credence.

The new ambassadors are: Nina Kovalska, Ukraine; Robert George Halverson, Australia; Mohy Al-Dhabbi, Yemen; James Farrugia, Malta; Peter Patrick Kenneth Simmons, Barbados; Jean-Claude Michel, Monaco; Hjalmar W. Hannesson, Iceland, and Ronarong Nopakun, Thailand.

In his speech to them in French, the Pope said that he wished to "appeal once again, through you, to all nations so that, on all continents, the civil authorities and all people of good will might pursue and intensify their efforts in favor of peace, cooperation, solidarity and understanding among peoples. You know the Holy See's commitment in these areas, in order to silence arms and to make room for negotiations so that each country, in respect for the law, might be assisted in setting up their institutions and aided in the integration of the diverse cultures and ethnic groups which compose them.

"In fact, one cannot think of a State as a reality which refuses a part of its population, according to criteria which lead to segregation. The leaders of society are called to be attentive to the conditions of 'a good coexistence' so that fraternity prevails over hatred and violence.

"It is up to us," said John Paul II in concluding remarks, "to prepare a livable earth for future generations, giving young people reasons to hope and to commit themselves to running cities, in basing their action on the basic principles of justice, probity and respect for persons. Likewise, it would be suitable to proclaim to the men and women of our time, especially the youth, the moral and spiritual values which allow them to see the meaning of both their own existence and of history, and what the driving forces are of interior and social life."

Following his talk, the Pope met individually with the new ambassadors, consigning to each one a written speech in which he accentuated the particular situation in their country and also assured them that the Holy See would be at their complete disposal to assist them in their work.

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