PROCEEDS FROM VATICAN STAMP SALES TO GO TO VICTIMS OF BALKAN WAR

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 1999 (VIS) - The Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office today is issuing a special stamp called "Kosovo 1999," which features a drawing of refugees fleeing their land and the words of Pope John Paul II: "The Pope is with the people who suffer, and cries out to everyone: It is always time for peace!" The entire proceeds from the sales will go to the populations which have been afflicted by the Balkan conflict.

A note from the Governorate of Vatican City, which oversees the philatelic office, states that "once again, at the end of this century, Europe is marked by a conflict," by a war which has given us tragic images of men, women and children, defenseless, terrorized, and forced to flee their homes. "These are images which trouble the consciences of all persons of good will, images which scream out and which enjoin us not to remain indifferent."

The note also explains that the stamp, which costs 3,600 lire, "will be an extraordinary issue with the face value of a special delivery letter, and is called 'a special delivery for Kosovo'." It added that the Swiss Printing House "Helio Courvoisier" printed the 450,000 stamps free of charge.

The Vatican Post Office is also issuing a special postmark. It will be valid from today through June 9 and may be used only on mail bearing the Kosovo stamp.

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