U.S. CONGRESS RESOLUTION FAVORS HOLY SEE PRESENCE AT U.N.

VATICAN CITY, JUL 12, 2000 (VIS) - Following is the declaration released today by Fr. Ciro Benedettini, vice director of the Holy See Press Office, on the Resolution by the U.S. Congress favoring the Holy See presence at the U.N.:

"The Holy See has learned with satisfaction that the Congress of the United States of America on July 11 adopted a Resolution in favor of the presence of the Holy See at the United Nations. The text, voted by roll call, was adopted almost unanimously (416 in favor, one against).

"This Resolution takes on particular significance in that the American Congress not only expresses support for the presence and activity of the Holy See at the United Nations, but recognizes it as a sovereign entity, capable of acting in the international field and, in addition, pays tribute to its contribution in favor of peace and the promotion of human rights.

"The Holy See is grateful to the members of the United States Congress and applauds the promoters of this instance for their commitment in assuring the Resolution a full reception.

"Analogous initiatives had already been adopted by the Senate in Chile and the Philippine Parliament, in answer to the position taken by several groups which had criticized the presence of the Holy See in the Organization of the United Nations."

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