Pope and Israeli President : Hopes for resumption of peace talks
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Tuesday received in audience at the Vatican the
Israeli President Shimon Peres and held talks on a variety of issues concerning the
Middle East. President Peres also met the Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio
Bertoni and Archbishop Dominque Mamberti, Secretary of Relations with States.
Please
find below an English translation of the official communique on the talks released
afterwards by the Holy See’s Press Office:
“During the cordial talks, the
political and social situation in the Middle East—where more than a few conflicts
persist—was addressed. A speedy resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians
is hoped for, so that, with the courageous decisions and availability of both sides
as well as support from the international community, an agreement may be reached that
respects the legitimate aspirations of the two Peoples, thus decisively contributing
to the peace and stability of the region. Reference to the important issue of the
City of Jerusalem was not overlooked. Particular worry for the conflict that plagues
Syria was expressed, for which a political solution is hoped for that privileges the
logic of reconciliation and dialogue.
A number of issues concerning relations
between the State of Israel and the Holy See and between state authorities and the
local Catholic communities were also addressed. In conclusion, the significant progress
made by the Bilateral Working Commission, which is preparing an agreement regarding
issues of common interest, was appreciated and its rapid conclusion is foreseen.”
Following
Tuesday’s meeting between Pope Francis and President Peres, Israel’s Ambassador to
the Holy See, Zion Evrony spoke to Vatican Radio’s Susy Hodges about their talks and
in particular about the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Syrian conflict
and the long-standing bilateral talks between Israel and the Holy See on tax and economic
issues.
Listen to the extended interview with Ambassador Evrony by Susy
Hodges:
Ambassador
Evrony says Israel “really hopes” for an early resumption of the stalled peace process
between the Jewish state and the Palestinians. “There’s nothing that that the people
of Israel want more than peace … peace with our Palestinian neighbours is one of our
main goals,” he says.
Ambassador Evrony also talks about Israel’s concerns
over the Syrian conflict, saying the crisis there “is first and foremost a humanitarian
crisis.” “It is tragic,” he continues, “to see the bloodshed and human suffering
and see a brutal dictator massacre his own people.” The Israeli Ambassador also spoke
of his country’s concern about the issue of chemical weapons in Syria and said he
is worried that “these chemical weapons could end up in the wrong hands.”
Turning
to the question of the bilateral discussions between Israel and the Holy See over
various economic and tax issues, Ambassador Evrony said “there was reason to be optimistic”
concerning these long-standing issues although he added “there is still some work
to be done” before a final conclusion can be reached.