Pope John Paul II concludes a four-day visit to Syria
Syria-Vatican, Politics, 5/9/2001

The Holy See, Pope John Paul II on Tuesday at (11 a.m.) Damascus local time left Syria concluding a four-day historical visit to the country. he was seen off at the Damascus airport by President Bashar al-Assad. The Pope was also seen off by vice Presidents Khaddam and Masharqa, the prime minister Muhammad Miro,, the Cabinet ministers, the foreign minister, the Syrian ambassador to the Vatican and the Papal Nuncio in Damascus.

The procession of the Pope left the Papal embassy in Damascus heading to the airport with members of the accompanying Vatican delegation and senior Christian clergymen.

He President, at the airport accompanied the Pope to the Hall of Honor.

In a speech he read, the President said:" I have the honor to express to Your Holiness our utmost satisfaction with the result of your historic visit t our country, the cradle of civilizations and heavenly religions. The Syrians and the peoples of the region with all its Muslims and Christians embrace your human feelings and highly appreciate your words about justice, the international legitimacy, the UN resolutions and the right of self- determination.

But unfortunately, still there are those in this world who fear mentioning historic facts and international resolutions, and still accuse us, as Semites, of anti Semitism. Those also adopt a double- standard policy using the logic of force and arrogance instead of logic and right.

However, this can not abrogate facts and can not change the conviction of the Arab people in these established facts.

As we bid farewell to Your Holiness, we will all recall Your historic visit and your blessed steps in the land of history. Wish you good health and al-Salam Aleykum." In his speech, the Pope said:" As I take my leave of the ancient land of Syria, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. I give thanks above all to Almighty God for enabling me to continue my Jubilee Pilgrimage of faith of the two thousands anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.

I am grateful to Saint Paul, who has been my traveling companion at every step of the way.

I am especially grateful to you Mr. President, and to the members of the Government, who have welcomed me with open hearts and extended to me the hand of friendship. The Syrian people are renowned for their hospitality, and during these days they have made a pilgrim feel at home. I shall not forget this kindness.

The Pope added:" Syria is an ancient land with a glorious past. Yet in some ways yours is still a young nation which in a relatively short time and through difficult circumstances has achieved a great deal. My pilgrimage prayer is that Syria will move confidently and serenely into a new and promising future; and that your country will flourish in an era of well-being and tranquility for all its people.

Syria is a vital presence in the life of this whole region, whose peoples have long suffered the tragedy of war and conflict. But for the door of peace to open, fundamental issues of truth and justice, of rights and responsibilities must be resolved.

He world looks to the Middle east with hope and concern, expectantly awaiting every sign of constructive dialogue. Many serious obstacles remain, yet the first step towards peace must be a steadfast conviction that a solution is possible within the parameters of the international law and the resolutions of the United Nations. I appeal once more to all the peoples involved, and to their political leaders, to realize that confrontation had failed and will always fail. Only just peace can bring the conditions needed for the economic, cultural and social developments to which the peoples of the region have a right, His Holiness said.

After exchanging the two speeches, ranking officials shook hands with the Pope wishing him safe return. Members of the Vatican delegation shook hands with President Bashar al-Assad expressing gratitude for the good hospitality.

The Pope and the President headed to the Syrian liner which was put under the disposal of his holiness for a flight from Damascus to Malta. SANA.

Previous Stories:
  Pope John Paul in Quneitra prays for peace, plants olive tree   (5/8/2001)
  Interviews :On the Pope 's visit to Damascus   (5/7/2001)
  Pope blesses large audience at Damascus mass   (5/7/2001)

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