Speaking at the Vatican during the established New Year greeting ceremony, which the Pontiff holds in early January for the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of supporting dialogue and respect for international law to resolve the “frozen conflicts,” which continue to exist in Europe, “some of which have been in the process for decades, and need to be resolved, starting with situations in the Western Balkans and the southern Caucasus, such as Georgia.”
“In the same context, I would also like to express the support of the Holy See in the negotiations for the reunification of Cyprus, which can increase regional co-operation, promoting stability throughout the Mediterranean region, as well as our appreciation for the efforts being made to solve the conflict in eastern Ukraine and put an end to the plight of the people,” he noted.
It should me mentioned that the reference to the Ambassador of Cyprus is due to the fact that the Pope’s speech is his response to the speech, addressed in French, the international diplomatic language, of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps at the time. It is noted that since May 12, 2018, the Ambassador of Cyprus, George Poulides, holds the position of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.
Source: CNA