JOHN PAUL II RECEIVES U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN

VATICAN CITY, JUN 3, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the text of the declaration made this afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls following the Pope's audience with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan:

"Late this morning, June 3 1999, the Holy Father received United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, accompanied by Under-Secretary Kieran Prendergast and by Elizabeth Lindenmayer, special assistant to the secretary general. Also present at the meeting were Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Secretary for Relations with States.

"During the in-depth meeting attention was particularly given to the existing grave situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Particular consideration was given to the humanitarian drama of the Kosovar people and to the need for a negotiated solution, one that respects both history and law.

"After having recalled the role that Christians can play in respecting human rights and educating for peace, the Holy Father explained the Holy See's noted position with regard to the ongoing conflict. He underlined that the cessation of hostilities, under the auspices of the U.N., must be accompanied by a return of refugees to the Kosovo region, with the help of an international peacekeeping force accepted by all.

"Finally, His Holiness reiterated his appreciation for the role the U.N. carries out in the heart of the international community and said he hoped the United Nations would have an ever increasing role in the prevention and resolving of conflicts."

OP;AUDIENCE ANNAN;...;...;VIS;19990604;Word: 260;