POPE ASKS THOSE IN LIBERIA TO GIVE UP ARMS

VATICAN CITY, JUL 27, 2003 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo, John Paul II urged those in Liberia, where fighting goes on in the capital Monrovia, to give up their arms.

"Today's gathering," he said, "is a propitious occasion to show our solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Africa where, alongside progress and positive initiatives of peace, centers of deadly violence continue. I am speaking especially of the tragic news that come from Liberia."

The Pope affirmed that "in the face of the challenges of these beloved peoples, we must ask those who possess arms to put them down, to facilitate dialogue and the joint efforts of the international community."

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