7. Februar 2003 in English
Joaquin Navarro-Valls: "The visit by Minister Fischer was a propitious occasion for an exchange of opinions on the problems of the present moment and, especially, on the noted crisis in Iraq"
Vatican (kath.net/VIS)
Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of theHoly See Press Office made the following statement early this afternoonabout the visit today to the Vatican by Joschka Fischer, foreign minister ofthe Federal Republic of Germany:
"Today, February 7, Joschka Fischer, minister of foreign affairs of theFederal Republic of Germany, was received by Pope John Paul II and,afterwards, met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, accompaniedby Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.
"The visit by Minister Fischer was a propitious occasion for an exchangeof opinions on the problems of the present moment and, especially, on thenoted crisis in Iraq and on the theme of the future European constitutionaltreaty.
"Concerning the Middle East: The Holy See's position, expressed innumerous documents and interventions, in favor of peace and solutions thatrespect international rights, was reiterated to the illustrious guest. Whatwas also underlined was the responsibility of all parties involved to avoidthat a tragic conflict arise.
"Then, on the question of the future European constitutional treaty, theHoly See pointed out how the values and elements already inserted into theproject - published yesterday and relative to the first three chapters ofthe treaty - are fundamental values for the life of the (European) Union. Inthis regard surprise was expressed because the juridical statute of theChurch and of religious communities was ignored. And finally, the hope wasexpressed that the current project will be perfected and the voids filled.")
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