VATICAN - Interview with Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo on the subject of the International Conference for Lebanon held in Rome

Thursday, 27 July 2006

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy See Press Office made public an interview given by Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Holy See secretary for Relations with States, to Vatican Radio on the subject of the International Conference for Lebanon which was held on Wednesday 26 July in Rome and at which he participated as an observer. Here is the English translation.

Yesterday a core group on Lebanon and the other countries took part in an International Conference for Lebanon promoted by the United States and Italy. The Holy See Press Office announced that a delegation led by yourself was present as an Observer. Could you explain the circumstances?
The Holy See is directly interested in peace in the Middle East as it has demonstrated on many occasions. Yesterday at the invitation of the United States of America and Italy, I took part in the Conference as an Observer, the usual manner in which the Holy See takes part in International Organisations.

What is your assessment of the Conference?
Certainly positive was the speed with which the conference was convened on the initiative of the Italian government and the fact that it focussed its attention on the most urgent needs of the present time.

The Final Declaration read by the co-presidents, US Secretary of State USA, Mrs Condoleeza Rice, and the Italian Foreign Minister Hon. Massimo D’Alema, was judged by many to be disappointing. What was your opinion?
Certainly the expectations of the public were certainly high, but for the well-informed who understand the difficulties, it could perhaps be said that the results were significant:
1.The fact that countries from various parts of the world from Canada to Russia came together in an awareness of the gravity of what is happening in Lebanon, reaffirming the need for the country to regain full sovereignty as soon as possible and made a commitment to help her.
2. The request to form an international force under the United Nations, to support the regular Lebanese army in security matters
3. the commitment to offer immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Lebanon and the guarantee of support in rebuilding by calling a conference of donor States. A number of nations present promised substantial aid, however still not enough to meet the enormous needs of the country.
4. Positive also commitment by the participants, after the official closing of the Conference, to remain in constant contact concerning further developments in the intervention of the international community in Lebanon

What caused the sense of disappointment?
First of all the fact that there was no request for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Unanimity among the participants was not achieved because some countries maintained that an appeal would not have produced the desired effect, and it was felt more realistic to express a commitment to achieve without delay a cessation of hostilities, a commitment which can, in fact, be maintained. Another problematic issue was the fact that the conference limited itself to inviting Israel to exercise the greatest restraint. By its nature, this call has a certain inevitable ambiguity, whilst respect for the innocent civilian population is a precise and binding duty.

What was the impression of the Lebanese government?
On the one hand Prime Minister Siniora had the opportunity to explain fully the dramatic nature of the situation of the country, and to present his own plan for the immediate and definitive resolution of the conflict with Israel. He was also able to witness and further encourage the positive efforts being made by the international community to help the Lebanese people, to put an end to the conflict and to reinforce his government's control of the country.
In the afternoon Prime Minister Siniora, accompanied by Foreign Minister Mr Salloukh, requested a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State and myself. Premier Fouad Siniora expressed great appreciation for the commitment with which the Holy Father in person, and the Holy See, are following the conflict that is wracking Lebanon, and he requested continuing support for his country in the international arena. He also recalled the words of Pope John Paul II, who defined Lebanon not only as a country but as 'a message' for all peoples of harmonious coexistence among various religions and confessions in one State.". This is undoubtedly the historical vocation of Lebanon which must be achieved. The Holy See will continue to use all the means at its disposal to help that country be once again the "garden" of the Middle East it used to be.

Archbishop Lajolo, as an Observer, were you able to influence the outcome of the Conference in any way?
An Observer never speaks, nor was not I asked to do so. However I am sure that the significance of the silent presence of the Holy See Observer at the table with the delegation heads was clearly perceptible.

After the Conference what is the Holy See’s position on the question ?
The Holy See remains in favour of an immediate cessation of hostilities. The problems on the table are many and extremely complex, and precisely for that reason cannot all be dealt with together. While bearing in mind the general picture and the overall solution to be achieved, the problems must be resolved 'per partes,' beginning with those that are immediately resolvable. The position of those who maintain that conditions must first be created so that any truce is not once again violated is only apparently one of realism, because those conditions can and must be created with means other than the killing of innocent people. The Pope is close to those peoples, victims of contrasts and of a conflict foreign to them. Benedict XVI prays, and with him the entire Church, for the day of peace to come today and not tomorrow. He prays to God and appeals to political leaders. The Pope weeps with every mother weeping for her children, with all those weeping for their loved ones. An immediate suspension of hostilities is possible, and therefore necessary. (Agenzia Fides 27/7/2006 - righe 82, parole 1.001)


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