ASIA/HOLY LAND – PILGRIMS BUILD BRIDGES FOR CHRISTIANS FROM EAST AND WEST; HOLY LAND HOPES FOR MORE VISITORS FOR CHRISTMAS 2003 AND IN THE NEW YEAR 27-11-03, Agenzia Fides - Agenzia della Congregazione per l'Evangelizzazione dei Popoli

Vatican City (Fides Service ) – A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a way to respond to Pope John Paul II’s urgent call on Sunday 16 November to build “bridges not walls” in the Holy Land. A pilgrimage is a bridge of solidarity and witness. It unites Christians in the West with those who suffer from poverty and war in the Middle East. In fact as Christmas approaches Christians always look to those Holy Places and take new courage to plan a visit despite the danger.

Fides learned from the Franciscans in the Holy Land who are at the centre of pilgrimage destinations in Bethlehem that bookings for groups are coming in fast, several pilgrimages have been announced for the month of December.

The Rome based tour operator Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi works hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a path of peace particularly in the Holy Land. It aims to break the barriers of hatred divisions, to build bridges of dialogue, encounter, love and peace.

In 2003 particular attention was given to the Holy Land Terra Santa to answer the cry rising from the Land where Jesus was born. The Franciscans ask the faithful: “help us and encourage us with the courage of your presence as pilgrims! This is the hour of authentic pilgrimage, solidarity, witness and peace.”

Despite the news shown by the media, it is safe to visit the Holy Land. Pilgrims returning from recent visits to the Holy Places speak of the warmth and affection shown by local Christian communities and of a peaceful prayerful pilgrimage, a moment of profound spirituality.

In 2003 Opera Romana took about 1.000 pilgrims to the Holy Land and it has many groups booked for December and January. The Italian Bishops have encouraged dioceses to organise visits to the Holy Land in 2004. It is hoped that next year there will be more pilgrimages to Israel and Palestine that in 2003.

The Council of European Bishops Conferences at its meeting in October in Lithuania, voiced concern for the tragedy in the Holy Land reconfirming solidarity with the Christian Churches in the Middle East and it also encouraged Christians n Europe to visit the Holy Land. Special initiatives for Christmas 2003 include a pilgrimage to the Holy Land of the World Youth Orchestra, sponsored by UNICEF and the Franciscan Holy Land. The young musicians from all over the world will give a concert in Jerusalem and carry a message of dialogue and harmony among peoples.

(PA) (Fides Service 27/11/2003 lines 47 words 516)

Cardinal says Holy Land pilgrimages elevate Gospel understanding, NEWS BRIEFS Nov-25-2003, By Catholic News Service

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Pilgrimages to the Holy Land elevate the understanding of the Gospel to another level, said Cardinal Pio Laghi, who led a group of 50 Italian pilgrims on a Nov. 24-27 visit. "In a way, when you just study the Gospel, it remains flat. Coming here elevates your understanding of what the Gospel says," said Cardinal Laghi, a former nuncio to the United States and the retired head of the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education. Coming to the Holy Land not only benefits the pilgrim but also all the people living in the area, said Cardinal Laghi, who said he recommends that Catholic pilgrims return to the holy sites. "Our pilgrimages also benefit those here who are witnesses to the faith and who have been challenged because of the situation. We have to support them not only with our spirit of solidarity but also (we must) do something for them," he said.

Sharon rejects Pope's criticism of Israeli wall Rome, Nov. 20, 2003 (CWNews.com)

Rome, Nov. 20, 2003 (CWNews.com) - In response to criticism by Pope John Paul II (bio - news), Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that he did not want to "build bridges to peace on the dead bodies of Israelis."

Sharon's statement, made just before his departure from Italy after a 2-day visit, was an obvious rejoinder to the Pope, who had questioned Israeli's construction of a "security wall" around Palestinian territory. The Pope had said, "In reality the Holy Land needs not walls, but bridges."

After avoiding any direct response to the Pope's statement during his stay in Italy, Sharon expressed his irritation in an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera. He remarked that "the Vatican itself is surrounded by high walls."

Sharon made it clear that he hoped to avoid any clash with the Holy See. "I have always admired the Pope, and what he has done for relations between the Church and Israel," he said. And he claimed that when the Vatican protested the building of a mosque immediately adjacent to the Annunciation basilica in Nazareth, "I intervened right away." (Actually the intervention came after repeated Church pleas.)

However, Sharon insisted that the security of Israel requires steps to prevent the movement of terrorists. He promised that the wall now being built would not necessarily be used to delineate Palestinian territory if a final peace agreement is reached.

Israeli leader silent on papal criticism Rome, Nov. 18, 2003 (CWNews.com)

Rome, Nov. 18, 2003 (CWNews.com) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wrapped up a 2-day visit to Italy today, without offering any public comment on Pope John Paul's criticism of the Israeli "security wall" across Palestinian territory.

The Israeli leader avoided a direct clash with the Vatican, although sources indicated that he had betrayed 'a certain irritation" with the Pope's public remarks.

Instead, Sharon offered his thanks to the Italian government leaders who had expressed support for Israeli policies, including the construction of the wall. Italy, he said, is "the best friend Israel has in Europe."

Meanwhile Romano Prodi, the Italian president of the European Commission, added his voice to support the Pope's criticism. By building a wall, Prodi said, "hardens hearts and policy options, moves further away from peace, generates fear, and increases violence."

Pope Says: Holy Land needs bridges, not walls 17 November, 2003 VATICAN - ISRAEL Rome (AsiaNews)

Rome (AsiaNews) – On Sunday Nov. 16, during his weekly Angelus appearance, the pope remembered all victims of recent attacks in Iraq and Turkey. By condemning terrorism throughout the world and in the Holy Land, the pope expressed words of great significance regarding the wall the Israeli government is erecting to divide Israelis and Palestinians: “The construction of a wall between the Israelis and Palestinians is seen by many as an obstacle on the road toward living together in peace. Indeed, the Holy Land does not need walls, but bridges! Without reconciliation of souls, there can be no peace.”

Here is the entire speech given before the Angelus:

“My Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Once again, in recent days, terrorism has wrought forth its evil activity –particularly devastating in Iraq and Turkey. While I continue to pray for victims, I repeat my declaration to stay spiritually near so many families praying for their dead. At the same time, I express my heart-felt solidarity with all those working to heal victims and remedy damages resulting from the attacks. No one must fall prey to the temptations of discouragement and vengeance: Respect for life, international solidarity and observance of law must prevail against hate and violence.

In such a context, I renew my firm condemnation of any recent terrorist action whatsoever in the Holy Land. At the same time I must point out, unfortunately, that the dynamism of peace seems to have come to a halt in these lands. The construction of a wall between the Israelis and Palestinians is seen by many as an obstacle on the road toward living together in peace. Indeed, the Holy Land does not need walls, but bridges! Without reconciliation of souls, there can be no peace.

We entrust the people of this part of the world to the God of mercy and peace, by way of our Most Holy Mary’s intercession. May those who are responsible have the courage to renew dialog and negotiation, thereby leading to a Middle East which is reconciled in justice and peace.

The Israeli "Security Wall" "...cuts in half monasteries, convents, churches and cemeteries."

KEY CATHOLICS IN HOLY LAND ECHO PAPAL OPPOSITION TO THE BARRIER
Divides the Lives of Individuals and Families, Says Apostolic Nuncio

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Following John Paul II's appeal for "bridges" rather than "walls" in the Holy Land, the region's Catholic leaders explained why the Pope spoke about the barrier being built by the Israelis.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio of Jerusalem, explained that the wall under construction "separates schools from pupils, the sick from treatment centers, individuals from their work places, families from their relatives."

"A wall has never been a sign of peace; it hasn't been and it isn't," the archbishop said today on Vatican Radio, a day after the Holy Father made public his disapproval of the barrier.

Archbishop Sambi said that he has let the Israeli authorities know that the barrier, which is intended to separate Israel from the Palestinian territories, also cuts in half monasteries, convents, churches and cemeteries.

According to the Israeli government, the construction of the barrier, which in places is an electric barbed wire fence, and in others a concrete wall, is to impede Palestinian terrorists from entering Israel.

The Palestinians see the wall an attempt to usurp their territories, pointing out that the construction does not follow the internationally recognized border drawn before the Six Day War of 1967.

A few days ago the Israeli press reported that Archbishop Sambi had negotiated some sections with the Israeli government so that Christian lands in the Palestinian territories would remain on the other side of the wall, in the Israeli part.

Archbishop Sambi replied: "The article in the Mahariv newspaper was not correct. It's never been asked that Catholic institutions of the Bethany area be included in Israel. What I have requested is that they be included in Jerusalem. It is about East Jerusalem, that is, the Arab part of Jerusalem." Thus, the information "has no foundation," he said.

For his part, Father Giovanni Battistelli, superior of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, told Vatican Radio: "What we really need is a love that unites, and not means that separate, which do nothing but increase rancor, hatred and -- I think -- also injustice."

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VATICAN - THE POPE SAYS AT THE ANGELUS: “ONCE AGAIN TERRORISM HAS COMMITTED ITS TERRIBLE ACT, PARTICULARLY DEVASTATING IN IRAQ AND TURKEY.... I RENEW MY FIRM CONDEMNATION ALSO FOR EVERY TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE HOLY LAND... THE HOLY LAND NEEDS NOT WALLS BUT BRIDGES!” 17-11-03, Agenzia Fides - Agenzia della Congregazione per l'Evangelizzazione dei Popoli

Vatican City (Fides Service) – “Once again in the past few days, terrorism has committed its terrible act particularly devastating in Iraq and in Turkey. As I continue to pray for the victims, I confirm my spiritual closeness to the many families mourning their dead. I express at the same time solidarity with all those working to care for the wounded and to repair the damage. Let no one give in to the temptation to dejection or retaliation: respect for life, international solidarity, observance of the law must prevail over hatred and violence.” Before reciting the Angelus prayer with the people gathered in St Peter’s Square, on Sunday 16 November, Pope John Paul II condemned the latest terrorist attacks and also turned his thoughts to the Holy Land.

“Unfortunately in those places the dynamism of peace seems to have died – the Holy Father said. “The construction of a wall between the Israelis and Palestinians is seen by many as a new obstacle on the path towards peaceful coexistence. In actual fact the Holy Lands needs not walls but bridges! Unless hearts are reconciled there can be no peace.” The Pope said he hoped “Those responsible will have the courage to resume dialogue and negotiation, thus freeing the road towards a Middle East reconciled in justice and peace ”. After greeting various groups of visitors in different languages, the Pope mentioned the World Congress of Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees being held from 17 to 22 November wishing “every success to the important initiative”.

See Holy Father address (S.L.) (Fides Service 17/11/2003 – lines 16; words 243)

Pope condemns new terrorist acts, counsels against despair Vatican, Nov. 17, 2003 (CWNews.com)

Vatican, Nov. 17, 2003 (CWNews.com) - At his regular Sunday public audience on November 16, Pope John Paul II (bio - news) urged the faithful not to fall into despair or discouragement as a result of terrorist attacks.

The Holy Father spoke in response to the latest news of terrorist activity: the bombings of two synagogues in Istanbul, Turkey. But many of the people who attended the audience were still shaken by the week's attacks on Italian troops stationed in Iraq.

"Once more, terrorism has done its terrible worst," the Pope remarked. He insisted, however, that discouragement would be the wrong response, playing into the hands of the terrorists. The Pope said: "respect for life, international solidarity, and respect for law must prevail over hatred and violence."

The Pope promised his prayers for the victims and for "the many families weeping for the dead." He also asked for prayers for those who are charged with healing those wounded in these attacks, and repairing the damage.

While emphasizing his "firm condemnation" of all terrorist acts, the Pope expressed his concern that, particularly in the Holy Land, "the dynamic toward peace seems to have been arrested." He called upon all leaders to show "the courage to resume dialogue and negotiations," and concluded with "without reconciliation of souls, there can be no peace."

On a specific controversial issue, the Pope questioned the Israeli construction of a "security wall" through Palestinian territories. "The construction of a wall between the Israeli people and the Palestinian people is considered by many as a new obstacle in the path to peaceful coexistence," he said. "In reality, the Holy Land needs not walls, but bridges."

Pope criticizes Israel over wall, deplores attacks in Iraq, Turkey, NEWS BRIEFS Nov-17-2003, By Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II criticized Israel's building of a wall to keep out Palestinians, and he called for a global movement against terrorism following deadly attacks in Iraq and Turkey. "In reality, the Holy Land does not need walls, but bridges. Without reconciliation of souls, there can be no peace," the pope said at a Sunday blessing Nov. 16. He renewed his "strong condemnation" of all acts of terrorism in the Holy Land and said it was disappointing that the peace process seemed blocked. "The construction of a wall between the Israeli and Palestinian people is seen by many as a new obstacle on the road to peaceful coexistence," he said. The Vatican has stepped up criticism of the Israeli security barrier, which when completed will stretch more than 200 miles along the Israeli border and deep into sections of the West Bank. Earlier in the week, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, a Vatican envoy, said the wall would institute a "geography of apartheid" and foment more violence.

Pope denounces terrorism in all its forms 12 Nov2003 CathNews

Meeting with Christian members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, Pope John Paul II strongly criticised "all forms of terrorism", because terrorism represents "treason for our common humanity" and lacks the moral foundation necessary for freedom of people.

Pope John Paul asked the delegation to convey his "warmest wishes to the chairman of the Palestinian authority and to "all the Palestinian people."

The Holy Father regretted the escalation of violence and repression" in the Middle East. He said in a clear remark to Israel "Once again I call on all parties to abide fully by the UN resolutions and commitments vowed concerning the peace process."

Commenting on the Roadmap to Peace, he said differences can only be settled through dialogue and patience, and relentless commitment of persons who enjoy the good intention in the two sides.

He said that Solidarity must "openly take up the defence" of the increasing number of workers in Poland who lack proper employment rights, many of whom are working illegally within Poland's frontiers from countries such as Ukraine.

Walesa, who has just visited Australia, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 and was elected Poland's first fully democratic president in more than 50 years.

Vatican prelate condemns Israel's "security wall" Jerusalem, Nov. 12, 2003 (CWNews.com)

Jerusalem, Nov. 12, 2003 (CWNews.com) - A top Vatican diplomat has condemned the Israeli "security wall" that is being built through Palestinian territories.

Cardinal Roger Etchegaray (bio - news) said that the wall "inevitably creates a geography of apartheid, which provokes rather than controls violence."

The French prelate-- who has handled several delicate diplomatic assignments for the Holy See since resigning from his post as president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace-- made his remarks in Jerusalem, during a short trip to the Holy Land.

Cardinal Etchegaray was the Pope's representative at the installation of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Gourion, an auxiliary bishop of the Latin-rite Patriarchate of Jerusalem, whose assignment will be to care for the pastoral needs of Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel. The cardinal said that the installation of Bishop Gourion should be recognized as "a great sign given by Pope John Paul II (bio - news) to encourage the two Catholic communities, Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking, to come together as tireless builders of peace between Israelis and Palestinians."

Cardinal Etchegaray remarked that each time he visits Jerusalem and sees the tragic consequences of years of violence, "the more I sense how much you need peace, how much you aspire toward peace." He gave his encouragement to all those who are "advancing down the long road toward peace with small gestures of reason and of pardon."

However, the cardinal reported that during his trip, when he made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem to pray at the Basilica of the Nativity, "I saw the Palestinian settlements where Israeli authorities are building a 'security wall.'" The wall cuts through Palestinian lands, separating neighbors and dividing communities; in some cases it cuts families from access to their own property. That project is "intolerable," he said, adding that he was joining many other religious leaders in condemning the Israeli plan.

The wall, Cardinal Etchegaray said, "lacerates the human fabric" of the community, "with grave consequences for the society, economy, education, and health." He argued that a more effective way to fight against terrorism would be to address the root cause of the conflict, and to undertake a realistic campaign to promote peaceful negotiations.

Vatican cardinal condemns Israel security wall 14 Nov2003, CathNews

Cardinal Roger Etchegaray has said the Israeli "security wall" that is being built through Palestinian territories "inevitably creates a geography of apartheid, which provokes rather than controls violence".

Cardinal Etchegaray, who has handled several delicate diplomatic assignments for the Holy See since resigning from his post as president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, made his remarks in Jerusalem, during a short trip to the Holy Land.

He encouraged those "advancing down the long road toward peace with small gestures of reason and of pardon".

But he reported that during his trip, when he made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem to pray at the Basilica of the Nativity, he "saw the Palestinian settlements where Israeli authorities are building a 'security wall.'"

The wall cuts through Palestinian lands, separating neighbours and dividing communities. In some cases it cuts families from access to their own property. That project is "intolerable," he said, adding that he was joining many other religious leaders in condemning the Israeli plan.

The wall, Cardinal Etchegaray said, "lacerates the human fabric" of the community, "with grave consequences for the society, economy, education, and health." He argued that a more effective way to fight against terrorism would be to address the root cause of the conflict, and to undertake a realistic campaign to promote peaceful negotiations.

Top cardinal denounces Israeli plans to complete security wall 12 Nov 2003 VATICAN CITY (CNS)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Israel's construction of a wall to separate its territory from Palestinian lands would institute a "geography of apartheid" and foment more violence, a leading cardinal said. French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, a frequent papal envoy and former head of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, made the comments in a statement released Nov. 9 in Jerusalem and printed in the Nov. 11 issue of L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper. The cardinal said he had visited Palestinian sites that would be affected by Israel's effort to install a permanent security barrier that would stretch deep into the West Bank, in what Israel says is an effort to prevent militants and ordinary Palestinians from illegally entering its country. "I share in the protestations of numerous leaders of various churches against such an intolerable project," Cardinal Etchegaray said.

VATICAN - THE POPE RECEIVES A DELEGATION OF PALESTINIAN CHRISTIANS: DESPITE OBSTACLES, WE CONTINUE TO SAY THAT PEACE IS POSSIBLE AND THAT IT IS REACHED ONLY WITH PATIENT DIALOGUE. TERRORISM IN EVERY FORM MUST BE CONDEMNED 11 Nov 2003 Vatican City (Fides Service)

Vatican City (Fides Service) – On Monday 10 November in the Vatican Pope John Paul II granted a special audience to a delegation of Christian members of the Organisation for the Liberation of Palestine (OLP). He said he hoped the visit would " lead to a better understanding of the situation of Christians in the Palestinian territories and the significant role which they can play in promoting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.”

Confident that peace will be reached the Pope said: "Despite the recent setbacks on the road to peace and fresh outbreaks of violence and injustice, we must continue to affirm that peace is possible and that the resolution of differences can only come about through the patient dialogue and persevering commitment of people of good will on both sides. Terrorism must be condemned in all its forms, for it is not only a betrayal of our common humanity, but is absolutely incapable of laying the necessary political, moral and spiritual foundations for a people’s freedom and authentic self-determination.".

Lastly the Holy Father called on all parties “to respect fully the resolutions of the United Nations and the commitments made in the acceptance of the peace process, with engagement in a common quest for reconciliation, justice and the building of a secure and harmonious coexistence in the Holy Land. I likewise voice my hope that the national Constitution presently being drafted will give expression to the highest aspirations and the most cherished values of all the Palestinian people, with due recognition of all religious communities and adequate legal protection of their freedom of worship and expression.".

(S.L.) (Fides Service 11/11/2003 – lines 18; words 252)

Pope, meeting with Palestinian Christians, condemns terrorism 10 Nov 2003 VATICAN CITY (CNS)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Meeting with a delegation of Palestinian Christians at the Vatican, Pope John Paul II condemned all forms of terrorism and said peace in the Middle East must be built on dialogue. In a brief talk Nov. 10, the pope said Israelis and Palestinians should fully respect U.N. resolutions and the commitments already made in the peace process. "Despite the recent setbacks on the road to peace and fresh outbreaks of violence and injustice, we must continue to affirm that peace is possible and that the resolution of differences can only come about through the patient dialogue and persevering commitment of people of good will on both sides," the pope said. "Terrorism must be condemned in all its forms, for it is not only a betrayal of our common humanity, but is absolutely incapable of laying the necessary political, moral and spiritual foundations for a people's freedom and authentic self-determination," he said.

VATICAN ENVOY AT UN CALLS FOR NEW ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN TALKS 4-November-2003 -- Vatican Update EWTNews

New York, Nov. 4 (CWNews.com) - In an address to the UN General Assembly, the Vatican's representative has underlined the need for negotiations between Israel and Palestine, with a special emphasis on the status of Jerusalem.

Speaking during a UN meeting on the problems of Palestinian refugees, Archbishop Celestino Migliore mentioned the concerns of the Holy See regarding the steady flow of Christian emigration from the Holy Land, and the need to preserve free access for all believers to the holy places of Jerusalem.

The Vatican's permanent observer at the UN reiterated the position of the Holy See, stressing that any lasting peace must be built on a plan for "two states living side by side in peace and security," and must include assurances of free access to Jerusalem for believers of all faiths. In that context he remarked on the difficulties that pilgrims face when the visit Jerusalem today, because of the economic problems as well as security issues, and because those Christian residents who still live in Jerusalem are suffering under difficult living conditions.

Archbishop Migliore criticized both Israeli and Palestinian leaders for their failure to pursue meaningful peace efforts. He argued that 'the occupation of the territories and the terrorist attacks are at the origin of an endless spiral of violence and vengeance."

In addition to negotiations, the pursuit of peace must entail work on behalf of those who have suffered from years of violence and injustice, the archbishop said. He cited the positive example of the University of Bethlehem, which has graduated over 7,500 students since it was founded in 1973. Unfortunately, he said, such positive efforts are thwarted today by "blockades, checkpoints, and a devastated economy" in the Palestinian territories.

Vatican envoy at UN calls for new Israel-Palestinian talks New York, Nov. 04, 2003 (CWNews.com)

New York, Nov. 04, 2003 (CWNews.com) - In an address to the UN General Assembly, the Vatican's representative has underlined the need for negotiations between Israel and Palestine, with a special emphasis on the status of Jerusalem.

Speaking during a UN meeting on the problems of Palestinian refugees, Archbishop Celestino Migliore mentioned the concerns of the Holy See regarding the steady flow of Christian emigration from the Holy Land, and the need to preserve free access for all believers to the holy places of Jerusalem.

The Vatican's permanent observer at the UN reiterated the position of the Holy See, stressing that any lasting peace must be built on a plan for "two states living side by side in peace and security," and must include assurances of free access to Jerusalem for believers of all faiths. In that context he remarked on the difficulties that pilgrims face when the visit Jerusalem today, because of the economic problems as well as security issues, and because those Christian residents who still live in Jerusalem are suffering under difficult living conditions.

Archbishop Migliore criticized both Israeli and Palestinian leaders for their failure to pursue meaningful peace efforts. He argued that 'the occupation of the territories and the terrorist attacks are at the origin of an endless spiral of violence and vengeance."

In addition to negotiations, the pursuit of peace must entail work on behalf of those who have suffered from years of violence and injustice, the archbishop said. He cited the positive example of the University of Bethlehem, which has graduated over 7,500 students since it was founded in 1973. Unfortunately, he said, such positive efforts are thwarted today by "blockades, checkpoints, and a devastated economy" in the Palestinian territories.

Vatican urges UN to use mideast 'road map' 4 Nov 2003 CathNews

A Vatican statement to the United Nations on Monday called for use of the "road map" as a way to move toward an Israeli-Palestinian settlement.

Monsignor Francis Chullikatt, an official of the Vatican's UN mission, said "the present conflict in the Middle East will find a lasting solution only when there are two independent and sovereign states living side by side in peace and security."

"It is incumbent upon both parties, assisted by the international community, to endorse the road map as a tool of negotiation and confidence building," he said.

The "road map" is the plan designed to produce the two-state solution proposed by President Bush in his speech to the United Nations last year.

Vatican urges U.N. to use 'road map' to move toward Middle East peace 4 Nov 2003 UNITED NATIONS (CNS)

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) -- A Vatican statement to the United Nations Nov. 3 called for use of the "road map" as a way to move toward an Israeli-Palestinian settlement. Msgr. Francis Chullikatt, an official of the Vatican's U.N. mission, said "the present conflict in the Middle East will find a lasting solution only when there are two independent and sovereign states living side by side in peace and security." "It is incumbent upon both parties, assisted by the international community, to endorse the road map as a tool of negotiation and confidence building," he said. The "road map" is the plan designed to produce the two-state solution proposed by President Bush in his speech to the United Nations last year.