Pope Appeals for End to Attacks and Reprisals
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 20, 2002 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II today decried the "perverse logic" of Mideast attacks and reprisals that is leading the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians "into a blind alley."
"Once again - and with what sadness - I am constrained to recall the dramatic situation in the Holy Land, where repeated attacks and reprisals sow blood and death every day," the Holy Father said, after reciting the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The papal appeal came a day after Israeli troops attacked Voice of Palestine radio in reprisal for the attack of a Palestinian who killed six Israelis and wounded 30 people in Hadera during a Jewish celebration on Thursday.
"This perverse logic does not lead to a way out and it is painful to see how the protagonists in the conflict have been led into a blind alley," the Pope explained.
"I cannot but heartbrokenly appeal to the leaders of the parties in conflict to put an end to such clashes, and to the international community not to abandon them," John Paul II stressed.
"It is urgent to identify together those instruments capable of putting in motion the dynamic of peace, in order to permit Israelis and Palestinians to think of their future," he concluded.
Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
20. januar 2002