VATICAN CITY, OCT 14, 1999 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received the Letters of Credence from the new ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, Jose Ayala Lasso.
In his speech, John Paul II referred to the peace accord signed some months ago between Ecuador and Peru "in the negotiations for which, you," he said, addressing the diplomat, "played an important role. ... The ability to find a solution to a long- standing problem should cause Ecuadorians to mature in their attachment to the peaceful tradition of the region. At the same time, they must feel themselves directly committed to the struggle against drug trafficking and corruption, scourges that especially implicate the young and endanger social peace and stability. It is to be hoped that Ecuador finds in the international community all the support and financial aid necessary to face up to these problems."
The Holy Father said he was aware that the Ecuadorian government was facing up to "the grave economic situation the country was going through, due to heavy external and internal debt."
"At the present time," he added, "I am closely following news regarding the activity of the Pichincha volcano, in the hope that it provokes no more damage."
The Pope made clear his delight with the fact that "the constitution (of Ecuador) makes allowance for the importance of education and ratifies the recognition of parents' rights in the education of their children. This represents an important step forward in the face of an excessively state-dominated regime typical of earlier times." He concluded by expressing his desire that "legislation regarding universities be marked by the principle of religious liberty."
CD;LETTERS CREDENCE;...;ECUADOR; AYALA;VIS;19991014;Word: 280
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