VATICAN REPRESENTATIVE DESCRIBES SITUATION IN UKRAINE AT SESSION OF OSCE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
Religiia v Ukraine, 12 December 2014
Catholic Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, in his capacity as secretary responsible for relations with states, participated in a session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which was unable to adopt a concluding document regarding Ukraine because of the lack of a consensus, Religiia v Ukraine reports, citing Radio Vatican.
In his speech he stressed that the Vatican has followed very closely and with profound concern the alarming development of events in Ukraine. He confirmed that the church and Pope Francis sympathize with those who are suffering and have endured the violation of their human rights and fundamental liberties, in particular the right to live in dignity and without fear.
After acknowledging the rapid response on the part of OSCE to the outbreak of violence, he maintained with regret that, despite the efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the valuable resources at the disposal of OSCE have not been employed, preventing the achievement of conditions necessary for the settlement of the continuing crisis.
In this context, the representative of the Catholic Church recalled the human victims, physical suffering, violation of fundamental human rights, and enormous material losses suffered by very many citizens of Ukraine, and he gave assurances of prayers and solid support for all victims and all who have suffered serious violation of their right to live in peace.
Archbishop Mamberti called attention to the fact that the resources at the disposal of OSCE and which are intended for amelioration of conflict and restoration of a climate of trust and security between states have turned out to be ineffective as a result of lack of political will for their employment. The better resolution of the current situation is the path of dialogue and negotiations for the benefit not only of those directly involved in the conflict but also for the entire international community. There should not be any indecisiveness and lack of good will for the employment of all possible resources for achieving a peaceful resolution.
Recalling the centennial of the start of World War One and 75th anniversary of World War Two, the representative of the Vatican emphasized the moral imperative to use all possible means to avoid the horrors and divisions of the past that have too frequently been heated up by absurd propaganda and attempts to achieve private interests. (tr. by PDS, posted 16 December 2014)
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