COMMUNIQUE ON VISIT OF FOREIGN MINISTER PERES TO VATICAN

VATICAN CITY, MAY 10, 2002 (VIS) - Following is the statement made this afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, on the visit to the Vatican today by Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres:

"This morning, Friday May 10, Shimon Peres, Israeli foreign minister, was received by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"Fortunately, the meeting took place in the context of the happy conclusion to the siege around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem; however, this should not cause the serious problems still hindering peace to be forgotten.

"The cordial encounter provided an opportunity for an exchange of opinions on the current painful situation in the Holy Land, especially in the city of Bethlehem.

"For its part, the Holy See recalled the line promoted by the Holy Father and his collaborators for a peaceful solution to the problems, through a persevering and faithful dialogue between the parties and with the help of the international community.
"There was also a discussion concerning the plan for an international peace conference, which should lead to specific commitments for a just and lasting peace."

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