Pope Calls for Trust Between Israelis and Palestinians
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 29, 2000 (ZENIT.org).- John Paul called for a return to peace talks in the Mideast, saying the process must be based on "mutual trust, rejection of arms, and respect for international law."
The Pope's appeal came Sunday, before a crowd of more than 70,000 gathered at Rome's Olympic Stadium for the Sports Jubilee.
"At this time of joy," he said, "we cannot and must not forget that in some regions of the world, people continue to suffer and frequently die. I am thinking, particularly, of the Middle East region.
"Once again I wish to call on all the parties involved in the peace process not to spare any efforts for the re-establishment of the climate of dialogue that existed up until a few weeks ago. Mutual trust, rejection of arms, and respect for international law are the only means capable of reviving the peace process."
The Pontiff has long promoted this path for Palestinian-Israeli peace.
The Holy Father asked for prayers for "a return to the negotiating table and, through dialogue, arrive at the desired goal of a just and lasting peace, which guarantees to all the inalienable right to liberty and security."
Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
29. oktober 2000