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Pope Urges Renewed Diplomacy to End Conflicts in Africa, Middle East
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=15AE53C:A6F02AD83191E1608713F4FF173D15419574F7DCC14957C0 Pope Benedict has
called for an end to conflicts on the African continent, and has urged
wealthy nations to accelerate debt cancellation to the world's poorest
countries Pope Benedict has called for an end to conflicts on the
African continent, and has urged wealthy nations to accelerate debt
cancellation to the world's poorest countries.

In his annual New Year's address to diplomats, the pontiff said
governments must not forget "war and tension" in Africa. He singled
out conflicts in the western Sudanese region of Darfur, as well as
fighting in Somalia, Uganda, Ivory Coast and the Great Lakes region.

He called for all parties to enter negotiations in Somalia, and urged
the world to pray for progress toward peace in Uganda.

The pope also praised improving economies in Latin American and
Caribbean countries, and hailed signs that governments there are
showing an increased willingness to combat drug trafficking and
corruption.

Benedict also lamented what he called the "dangerous sources of
tension" on the Korean peninsula and urged creation of a nuclear-free
zone in the area.

He also said a global approach is needed to find a negotiated
settlement to fighting in the Middle East. He said the people of
Lebanon have a right to see the sovereignty of their country
respected, and said Israelis have a right to live in peace in their
state. He also said Palestinians have an equal right to a free and
sovereign homeland.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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