CALL FOR AN END TO THE VIOLENCE IN COLOMBIA

VATICAN CITY, JAN 24, 2001 (VIS) - At the conclusion of the general audience, held this morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father appealed for an end to the violence in Colombia:

"News from Colombia, telling of a marked escalation in violence, compels me to request that everyone rediscover the supreme value of life: 'There can be no peace when this most basic good is not protected'."

"I would also like to invite all sides to promote an effective and sincere dialogue, while I implore an end to the kidnappings, acts of terrorism, assassination attempts, as well as the plague of drug-trafficking.

"It is time to return to the Lord of Life, that He may move the hearts of all Colombians and bring them to understand that they are but one great family."

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