Vatican official says hopes for Annapolis peace conference seem valid

Published: 2007-12-04

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican's initial hopes for the Middle East peace conference in Annapolis, Md., seem to have been valid, said the head of the Vatican delegation. Msgr. Pietro Parolin, Vatican undersecretary for foreign affairs, said, "We went to Annapolis with a glimmer of hope for peace for two peoples who are dear to us and who see their most basic rights threatened." In a Dec. 4 interview with Vatican Radio, the monsignor said that a week after the meetings "it seems that this small flame continues to burn because both sides have shown" they are ready to make new efforts at peace, to negotiate directly and to involve Syria, Lebanon and the other Arab nations in a global peace process. Msgr. Parolin said the U.S.-sponsored meetings took place "in a climate of trust, which must be protected and increased; trust that finally we have found the right path and that this path could lead to positive solutions" for both Israelis and Palestinians. The Annapolis meeting mainly set out a plan for future discussions on a variety of topics, including the status of the city of Jerusalem.

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