FOREIGN MINISTER OF SUDAN RECEIVED IN VATICAN

VATICAN CITY, JUL 26, 2000 (VIS) - Following is the declaration released today by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls concerning the visit to the Vatican by Sudan's foreign affairs minister:

"Today, Foreign Affairs Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail of Sudan was received in audience by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States. The Sudanese minister illustrated the latest political developments which are directing the country towards a multiparty and federal system, also in view of putting an end to the conflict which for long years has torn to pieces the south of Sudan.

"The meeting was also an occasion to review the situation of the Catholic Church in the country and the ways to better the living conditions of the Catholic community and thus to permit it to participate more actively in the development of Sudanese society."

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