Pope meets with president of Cyprus

Pope Benedict XVI received the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, on Thursday morning at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Below, please find the full text of the statement released by the Press Office of the Holy See following the meeting.

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This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in
audience Demetris Christofias, president of the Republic of Cyprus. The president subsequently
went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied
by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
The discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, served to highlight the good
relations that exist between the Holy See and the Republic of Cyprus. Consideration was also
given to issues of mutual interest, in particular the importance of dialogue and of respect for
human rights, including the right to religious freedom.
Since the Republic of Cyprus holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union,
the parties also turned their attention to the situation in Europe. Finally, the hope was expressed
that initiatives for dialogue and peace between the sides in conflict in the Middle East would
achieve a positive outcome with the contribution of the international community.