HOLY SEE HOPES FOR DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION TO MIDEAST CRISIS

VATICAN CITY, APR 7, 2002 (VIS) - Today, Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, in answer to a question concerning an alleged plan by the Holy See to unblock the situation in the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, replied as follows:

"There is no plan by the Holy See to resolve the situation taking place in the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Naturally, the diplomatic representation of the Holy See in Israel continues its appreciated efforts to aid all those who are suffering. For its part, the Holy See hopes that the principles already expressed through diplomacy and the United Nations' resolutions, once again reconfirmed, are accepted by everyone in Bethlehem and in the whole area."

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