Pope: dialogue and negotiations "only option" to stop the conflict in Syria
Vatican City ( AsiaNews ) - Dialogue and
negotiation , with the support of the international community are " the
only option " to end the conflict in Syria, states a communiqué issued by
the Holy See following discussions held this morning in the Vatican between
King Abdullah II of Jordan and Pope Francis.
The King was also received by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio
Bertone together with Mgr . Dominique
Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.
The
Vatican statement spoke of "cordial discussions" with the King of Jordan -
who was accompanied by Queen Rania - while not making any express reference to
the new winds of war that threaten the Middle East. It confirms the concern with which not only
the Hashemite kingdom - which
lives in the line of fire and fears possible involvement - but also the Pope
follows the situation in Damascus.
Speaking
of "issues of common interest", the statement emphasizes "the restarting of negotiations between Israelis and
Palestinians, and on the question of Jerusalem".
"Special attention was reserved for the tragic
situation in which Syria finds itself. In this regard, it was reaffirmed that
the path of dialogue and negotiation between all components of Syrian society,
with the support of the international community, is the only option to put an
end to the conflict and to the violence that every day causes the loss of so
many human lives, especially amongst the helpless civilian population".
"Appreciation was also expressed for King Abdullah's
commitment in the field of interreligious dialogue and for the initiative of
convening a conference in Amman, at the beginning of the month of September, on
the challenges that Christians in the Middle East will have to face, in
particular during this period of socio-political transformations. Finally, recognition
was expressed for the positive contribution that Christian communities bring to
the local society, of which they are an integral part".
Pope
Francis has repeatedly publicly expressed his sorrow for the Syrian conflict . "With
great pain and concern - he said last Sunday during the Angelus - I
continue to follow the situation in Syria. The increase in violence in a war
between brothers, with the proliferation of massacres and atrocities, that we
all have been able to see in the terrible images of these days, leads me once
again to raise my voice that the clatter of arms may cease." "
Speaking
to the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square, he also called
for the international community to "show greater sensitivity towards this
tragic situation and do all it can to help the beloved Syrian nation find a
solution to a war that is sowing death and destruction".
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