Archbishop Chullikatt: Hopes renewed in a newly rejuvenated peace process in Middle
East
October 23, 2013: “A solution for each, and for all, of the peoples of the Middle
East must be characterized first and foremost by respecting the centrality and dignity
of the human person, regardless of race or creed, by a concern for every human life
and for human dignity and by the tireless pursuit of the common good for the whole
of society, keeping in mind also the regional and international context.” said Archbishop
Francis Chullikatt, Apostolic Nuncio & Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN,
during an Intervention on Tuesday October 22, at the Security Council’s Open Debate
on the Middle East
Welcoming with great hope, the re-engagement of Israelis
and Palestinians in direct, serious and concrete negotiations, he said that hopes
are renewed that we are witnessing at present a newly rejuvenated peace process.
Regarding
the four million internally displaced within the borders of Syria itself and more
than two million refugees, he said “the situation is extremely grave and is worsening
by the day; many people are dying of hunger, and many others on account of lack of
access to basic and necessary medical care. The Catholic Church remains committed
and active at the forefront in providing humanitarian assistance to people, regardless
of their religious or ethnic affiliation, with all the means at our disposal” he said.
He highlighted the worrying exodus of Christians from the region of their
birth. “Extremist and reactionary forces introduced into the region as a result of
political instabilities and conflicts are targeting Christians and other groups who
suffer the consequences of their blind violence.”
He quoted the Pope who had
stressed “Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war,
violence begets violence”. The Pope had also made a heartfelt plea “that the violence
and devastation in Syria may cease immediately and that a renewed effort be undertaken
to achieve a just solution to this fratricidal conflict.” .