Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - During these difficult days, especially for Lebanon, I would like to add my voice to all those who have been asking for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Moreover, humanitarian organisations must be given access to the suffering and fleeing population. Hundreds of thousands of displaced persons are in need of urgent attention. Humanitarian corridors must be put in place to ensure efficient and concrete assistance.
As Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People I would draw attention especially to the fate of the thousands of migrants workers trapped in the conflict, and our special concern for those from Asian and African countries, who are completely neglected. May the respective international institutions come to their assistance and evacuate them to safer places and/or assist them to return home.
In addition, 22,000 persons (Sudanese and Iraqis) who had been granted asylum in Lebanon are facing the consequences of the hostilities with special difficulties. It would be of great help for these people if entry procedures at the Lebanese-Syrian border were facilitated and the Government of Syria were to allow them (Lebanese, migrants and recognised refugees) to enter temporarily,guaranteeing them protection during this time of violence.
We hope today’s meeting in Rome may address the different aspect of the Middle East crisis and lead to an end of the violence, adequate assistance for the civilian population and the beginning of long-term global solutions, for peace and security throughout the region. (Agenzia Fides 26/7/2006 - righe 21, parole 258)
