A Syrian diplomatic campaign during the Pope's visit to Syria

The Syrian authorities are continuing preparations to receive Pope John Paul II in a first visit to be carried by a Pope to Syria, while historical records show that throughout history Six Syrians served as Popes in Rome.

For the second time in one year Syria will be the focal point for millions of peoples all over the world. A matter which will give officials in Syria the opportunity to highlight their view points concerning the peace process and the plan of modernization and openness taking place in the country during the few past months

The director of the foreign relations department at the Syrian ministry of information Munir al-Ali told Arabic News that some 500 foreign journalists asked to come to Syria to cover news on the visit of the Pope on May 5 to 8, while some 1,000 came and covered the funeral of the late President Hafez al-Assad.

One foreign diplomat in Damascus said that in the Pope's visit, Syria will have a historical chance to convey her view point directly to the public opinion and to carry out an intensive campaign of general diplomacy. It is a one political message that the Golan is still occupied by Israel."