POPE TO MEET TOMORROW WITH U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL

VATICAN CITY, JUN 2, 1999 (VIS) - At midday today, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"In the face of the worsening situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the resulting humanitarian drama, the Holy See has not ceased to demonstrate its deep concern and to undertake various initiatives.

"His Holiness, Pope John Paul II has constantly reiterated the necessity of putting an end to violence and of starting a just and global dialogue. In this context, His Holiness has expressed his desire to meet Kofi A. Annan, secretary general of the United Nations Organization, in order to examine the situation and to propose ways and means to resolve the crisis and construct peace in the Balkans.

"The secretary general has happily agreed to meet the Pope on Thursday, June 3 at 1 p.m.

"On April 27, 1999 His Holiness, in a personal letter addressed to the secretary general, wrote: 'The Holy See greatly appreciates the fact that the United Nations finds its full role in the management of a crisis which involves the entire international community. It is indeed urgent that laws and institutions be heard and not silenced by the din of arms'.
"Thursday's meeting will serve to highlight the specific role given to the United Nations and the secretary general by the international community."

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