Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, recently gave a wide-ranging interview in regard to the role of Russia in the Mediterranean among other matters.
What results can an agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme bring for peace in the Middle East? Why does the Holy See view it as a positive thing?
The Holy See views the Iranian nuclear agreement in a positive light because it believes that controversies and difficulties must always be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.
The deal reached is the result of years of negotiations over a question that had caused a great deal of concern. The fact that the solution found satisfies all sides is a very positive thing. Clearly, this agreement will require the continued efforts and commitment of everyone if it is to bear fruit.
It is significant that there is a mutual trust between the Parties; it is this trust that has made an understanding possible and it must be fostered.
I must reiterate that dialogue and negotiation, not fighting, are the means to resolving existing conflicts in the Middle East and these must be dealt with on both a global and regional level.
This path does require courageous decisions for the good of all, but it is that which will lead to a much-hoped-for peace in the Region.
Can you comment on the Greek crisis and the problems it faces with the European Union? Do you not think that Europe is increasingly becoming a technical and financial community that struggles to identify itself within a common project?
Certainly the Greek crisis has highlighted some difficulties and certain limits experienced by the European Union.
Unfortunately, Europe, as it was originally conceived by its “founding fathers” at the end of World War Two, cannot be reduced to an exclusively economic and financial institution or a place where, to put it better, the economic aspect prevails over all other matters.
The sharing of resources (initially through the ECSC, the European Coal and Steel Community), in a spirit of solidarity, had at first formed the essential premise for keeping further conflicts at bay.
Although the economy is important, it needs to co-exist alongside other cultural, political and ethical values that are just as key for the growth of European society. Continue reading
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