Pope: a state for the Palestinians, with peace for Israel, recognized by its "neighbors"
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A Palestinian state living in peace next to Israel, within secure and internationally recognized borders. This was the hope that emerged from today's meeting between Benedict XVI and Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, who subsequently had a meeting with the Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone accompanied by Msgr. Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.
" A central issue of the cordial conversations – reads a Vatican press release- was the troubled situation in the Holy Land. Particular stress was laid on the urgent need to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one capable of ensuring respect for the rights of all and, therefore, the attainment of the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations for an independent State. "
" It was thus reiterated - the text continues - that soon the State of Israel and the Palestinian State must live in security, at peace with their neighbours and within internationally recognized borders. In this framework, with the support of the international community and in a spirit of cooperation and openness to reconciliation, the Holy Land will come to know peace”.
“Reference was also made in the meetings to the situation of the Christian communities in the Palestinian Territories and the Middle East in general, and mention was made of their irreplaceable contribution to the building up of society.Finally, the hope was expressed that the work of the Delegations of the Holy See and the Palestine Liberation Organization may proceed fruitfully towards the elaboration of a Comprehensive Agreement between the Parties”.
The conversation between Benedict XVI and Abu Mazen'lasted nearly 20 minutes, held in the Pope’s private library. At the end of private talks the 9 members of the delegation and journalists were also allowed to enter, who described the climate as "extremely cordial. "Abu Mazen brought a gift to the Pope an ancient icon of the Virgin, in a gold frame. The Pope responded with a bronze medal depicting St. Peter's Square with an artistic frame in terracotta.
Subsequently, the President of the Palestinian Authority went to the office of Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
Benedict XVI and Abbas had met at the Vatican December 3, 2005, 24 April 2007 and October 8, 2009. And in Bethlehem May 13, 2009, during the Pope's visit to the Holy Land.
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