DECLARATION FROM PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2002 (VIS) - This morning, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls replied to questions from journalists concerning the position adopted by certain representatives of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow:

"Beyond the facts of this specific matter lies the deeper question which I believe to be: Does one wish to accept and safeguard the fundamental rights to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion that lie at the base of all forms of civil and pluralistic coexistence? From these rights it follows that each faith be recognized and respected in its individual identity, avoiding discrimination between citizens for religious motives as, indeed, is guaranteed by the civil code of the Russian Federation.

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