DECLARATION REGARDING AUDIENCE WITH PRESIDENT KOSTUNICA

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2000 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, following the Holy Father's audience with Vojislav Kostunica, president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"Mr. Kostunica gave an assurance of his desire to cooperate towards peace in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and in the Balkans.

"The talks dwelt upon the Holy See's commitment to peace during these years of difficult and tragic events, and the hope was expressed that the situation soon reach harmony between souls and social peace.

"Mr. Kostunica, accompanied by his entourage, then went on to visit His Holiness' Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano."

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