VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2000 (VIS) - The following statement by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls was released this morning pursuant to the signing of a Basic Agreement between the Holy See and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, as the representative of the Palestinian National Authority:
"This morning, the Holy Father received in audience Yasser Arafat, president of the Palestinian Authority, and a Palestinian delegation.
"In the course of the discussions, the president of the Palestinian Authority informed the Holy Father about the latest developments in the peace process, not failing to express concern over the present situation and to extend to him - from the present moment - a welcome to Bethlehem.
"For his part, the Holy Father renewed his expression of the Holy See's solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are still waiting to see their legitimate aspirations met.
"The audience was preceded by the signing of the 'Basic Agreement'. Signed by Msgr. Celestino Migliore, under-secretary for Relations with States and Dr. Emile Jarjoui, member of the PLO executive committee, the agreement deals with certain juridical questions regarding the presence and activity of the Catholic Church in the territory dependent on the Palestinian Authority.
"After the audience with the Pope, President Arafat met with Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States. In the course of their conversation, reference was made to the bilateral agreement signed this morning, to the Middle East peace process, and to the Holy Father's upcoming visit to Palestinian territory."
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