Important meeting between Mubarak, Pope of Vatican
Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 2/21/2001

For the third day running, Italian quarters have concluded that President Mubarak's -visit to Italy will help reactivate efforts for shoring up the Mideast peace process, and garnering international community support for attempts which are aimed at resuming negotiations and abiding by international legitimacy resolutions.

Quarters said President Mubarak has managed to explain the Arab standpoint towards dangerous implications of the sustained escalation of violence acts in the occupied lands.

President Mubarak's talks with Pope John Paul II of the Vatican yesterday morning were given much significance where men of religion have expressed their appreciation of efforts by President Mubarak for achieving peace in the Middle East. They said President Mubarak is one of the great leaders who have devoted their lives for defending legitimacy, justice and respect for religion.

Pope John Paul II of the Vatican and President Hosni Mubarak Tuesday held a tete-a-tete meeting.

The 40-minute meeting addressed the Mideast peace march and the incessant Israeli attacks on innocent Palestinians.

They stressed the need to resume peacemaking, halt the repression policy and stem Palestinian bloodshed.

They also pored over the issue of Jerusalem being a sacred city of interest to the Islamic and Christian worlds. They asserted the importance of achieving a just peace and stability in the region and giving up war threats.

Discussion also covered the Iraqi file and Friday's US British strikes against Iraqis and the necessity to end their suffering.

Following the talks, Pope John met with members of the delegation accompanying President Mubarak and conferred medals on them.

Mubarak-Pope Meeting marked by frankness President Hosni Mubarak's visit to the Vatican and his meetings Tuesday with Pope John Paul II were marked by frankness and clearness, Egyptian ambassador to the Vatican Farouk Raafat said on Tuesday.

The two leaders mainly discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and agreed on the necessity to reach just and urgent solutions to all pending issues which adversely reflect not only on the Middle East but also on Europe and other areas, he added.

They likewise agreed to maintain dialogues, discussion and exchange of visits to find out a formula of understanding between the two sides, he said.

Mubarak and the Pope share identical views towards all issues raised for discussion, he said.

In an exclusive interview with Sawt A1 Arab Radio over the telephone from Rome Farouk Raafat said dialogue between Egypt and the Vatican has never ceased.

Relations between Egypt and the Vatican were boosted following the visit to Egypt in February 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

The Vatican's stance vis-?-vis the Jerusalem issue is firm and it supports all the Palestinian people's rights and the UNSC resolutions 242 and 338.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt - Vatican to promote their distinguished relations   (2/19/2001)
  Egypt lauds the Vatican's call for respect of international legitimacy   (2/17/2001)
  Pope John Paul hails Egypt's role in peacemaking   (9/12/2000)

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