PROMOTE LEGITIMATE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 10, 2003 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received a delegation of Christian Palestinians from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to whom he expressed his desire that their visit facilitate 'a better understanding of the situation of Christians in the Palestinian territories and of the significant role that they can play in promoting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.'

'Despite recent setbacks on the road to peace and fresh outbreaks of violence and injustice, we must continue to affirm that peace is possible and that the resolution of differences can only come about through the patient dialogue and persevering commitment of people of good will on both sides. Terrorism must be condemned in all its forms, for it is not only a betrayal of our common humanity, but is absolutely incapable of laying the necessary political, moral and spiritual foundations for a people's freedom and authentic self-determination.'

Once again the Pope made an appeal to all parties 'to respect fully the resolutions of the United Nations and the commitments made in the acceptance of the peace process, with engagement in a common quest for reconciliation, justice and the building of a secure and harmonious coexistence in the Holy Land.'

'I hope,' he concluded, 'that the national Constitution presently being drafted will give expression to the highest aspirations and the most cherished values of all the Palestinian people, with due recognition of all religious communities and adequate legal protection of their freedom of worship and expression.'

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