VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed Lebanon's new ambassador to the Holy See, Fouad Aoun, and received his Letters of Credence.
In his address in French to the new ambassador, the Holy Father pointed to the circumstances in Lebanon and in the Middle East, stating that he was following both situations very carefully. Regarding Lebanon, the Pope said that "the temptation for a rebirth of feelings which in the past had serious consequences will be notably avoided thanks to the development of democracy and the possibility given to all citizens to participate in the life of the country, independently of their religious or community affiliation."
He stressed the need for "mutual trust ... based above all on the acceptance by everyone of universal moral values" and for "a patient and respectful dialogue. ... To succeed in this, those in charge of leading the nation must work with determination, disinterest and perseverance for the common good and favor an equal sharing of responsibilities, without seeking privileges for themselves or for their community."
"The current conjuncture in the Middle East," John Paul II stated, "is especially disquieting. ... One cannot help but note that the unleashing of violence leads always to ever great unhappiness for everyone. ... The Holy Land ... must become the place par excellence where peace and justice flourish. Jerusalem must be an especially strong symbol of unity, peace and reconciliation for the human family!"
"May the confident relations which have developed between the Holy See and the peoples of the region," the Holy Father said, "allow us to hope that the day will come when, through dialogue and negotiation, in the respect for the dignity and identity of communities, a special, internationally guaranteed statute can be established for the holiest places of the city."
CD;LETTERS CREDENCE;...;LEBANON; AOUN;VIS;20001026;Word: 300
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