Archbishop Tomasi on Human Rights in Syria

(December 03.2011) The Holy See’s great concern over the dramatic and growing episodes of violence in Syria which have caused many victims and grave suffering, was expressed by Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva. He was addressing the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on Syria, in Geneva, on Friday. . He reiterated the appeals of the Holy Father to the faithful to pray that the effort for reconciliation may prevail over division and resentment, and to the Authorities and all the citizens to spare no effort in the search for the common good and in the acceptance of legitimate aspirations for a future of peace and stability. Archbishop Tomassi admitted that the events which have occurred in the past months in Syria have been born of the desire for a better future of economic well-being, justice, freedom and participation in public life and they point to the urgent necessity of real reforms in social, economic and political life. It was nevertheless highly desirable that these developments do not take place through intolerance, discrimination or conflict, and even less through violence, but rather through absolute respect for truth, for coexistence, for the legitimate rights of individuals and groups, as well as for reconciliation. Such principles must guide leaders while taking account of the aspirations of civil society as well as the instances of the international community. He concluded with the Holy See’s condolences to the families of the victims and with prayers for the recovery of the wounded.