MESSAGE FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY IN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Pope to Negaso Gidada, president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and to Issaias Afwerki, president of the State of Eritrea, whose countries are celebrating their independence day today.

John Paul II greets each of the presidents and their respective peoples on this occasion and says: "I am deeply saddened at the continuing hostilities which are bringing death and destruction to the people and the land of your region. Calling for renewed dialogue and negotiation to end the absurd conflict, I pray fervently that Almighty God will grant to the parties involved the strength and courage to embrace a just and lasting peace based on reconciliation and truth."

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