DECLARATION ON IRANIAN DETAINEES

VATICAN CITY, SEP 21, 2000 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a declaration today, that "a number of journalists have asked if it is true that the Holy See has taken steps in favor of the Iranian detainees of Jewish origin whose sentence from the court of appeals is imminent. On this matter, the Holy See can state:

"The Secretariat of State, both directly and indirectly, has repeatedly drawn the attention of the Iranian authorities to the case of the above-mentioned detainees.

"Furthermore, the Holy See, in keeping with the Catholic Church's position on this matter, has always hoped that the right to a fair and just trial be respected for the accused, and that their rights be guaranteed.

"Finally it will be recalled that, in the spirit of the Great Jubilee, Pope John Paul II has encouraged the leaders of nations to undertake acts of clemency in favor of prisoners."

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