FAVOR THE FORCE OF LAW, NOT THE LAW OF FORCE

VATICAN CITY, APR 2, 2003 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, apostolic nuncio and permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, spoke yesterday at the 2003 Substantive Session of the Disarmament Commission. That speech in English was made public today.

Archbishop Migliore noted that "months ago, the Holy See Delegation stated before the First Committee of the 57th Session of the UN General Assembly that the old policies of nuclear deterrence, which prevailed during the Cold War, must lead now to concrete disarmament measures, based on dialogue and multilateral negotiation, which are essential values in the disarmament process. Through the instruments of international law, ... they promote the effective affirmation of the culture of life and peace, which is based upon the values of responsibility, solidarity and dialogue."

He stressed that "these words seem that much more significant today when the world once again finds itself listening to the mounting rumble of arms. We are confronted by two opposing perspectives: the first is based on the conviction that conflicts can be resolved through a determined and broad-based willingness to negotiate effectively in light of the ways and wisdom of the law; the second perspective maintains that, in the face of elusive and re-emerging threats, force is more efficacious and direct. However, the latter appears to only reduce international cooperation in disarmament rather than enhance it, inducing negative repercussions on multilateralism. A clear message in favor of the force of law and not the law of force should emerge from this substantive session."

The nuncio pointed out that preference must be given to "the techniques of mediation, negotiation and verification" in the search for "ways and means to achieve nuclear disarmament." He reiterated the Holy See's "support for the principles and for the effective implementation of the objectives laid down in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as well as in the Final Document of the 2000 Review Conference."

Archbishop Migliore affirmed that "the extraordinary mobilization of men and women that we see almost everywhere, in these very days, indicates that the cause of peace is making great progress in the conscience of humanity. It shows increasingly, as a heartfelt aspiration among peoples to live in security, in justice, in hope and in a culture of peace, which - it is good to remember this ' is centered on the value of the human being and on the respectful dialogue and co-existence between peoples."

In conclusion, he stated that "This is the moment that each one of us, aware of the gravity of the present situation when law must be chosen to prevail over force, must be animated by a profound sense of responsibility toward the disarmament process."

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AUDIENCE: DISCOVER THE DIVINE PRESENCE IN TIME

VATICAN CITY, APR 2, 2003 (VIS) - The canticle of the prophet Isaiah, "Hymns to the Lord, victorious and savior," was the theme of John Paul II's catechesis during today's general audience celebrated in St. Peter's Square.

The canticle in Chapter 42 of the Book of Isaiah, composed at the time of the Jews' return from exile in Babylon, opens with a call to "sing a new song to the Lord" and to praise Him, because He liberates His people and brings them salvation, said the Pope. "All the inhabitants of the earth are invited to form an immense choir to praise the Lord with joy and to give Him glory."

The Holy Father affirmed that the Lord "remained silent for a long time, that is, He did not intervene. This divine silence is frequently the cause of bewilderment, and even scandal, for the just. ... However, this silence does not indicate absence, as if history were left in the hands of the perverse and the Lord were indifferent and detached." In this silence, he added, "God makes a new world emerge, an era of freedom and salvation. ... The path becomes easier and hope flourishes, making it possible to continue to trust in God and in a future of peace and joy."

"Every day," he concluded, "the believer must know how to discern the signs of divine action, even when it seems hidden due to the passing of time, apparently monotonous and without purpose. ... To discover this divine presence with faithful eyes in space and time, but also in ourselves, is a source of hope and faith, even if our heart is troubled. ... In fact, the Lord enters the scene to rule and judge 'the world with justice and all peoples with truth'."

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