Pope Calls for Peace in Ivory Coast and Libya

Pope Benedict arrives at St. Peters Square in Vatican City.

He greets the faithful.

At his public appearance he calls for an end of violence in both Libya and Ivory Coast.

[Pope Benedict]:

„I’m following with great concern the dramatic events that the dear people of the Ivory Coast and Libya are going through at present. I hope that Cardinal Turkson, the envoy I sent to the Ivory Coast to encourage a peaceful solution, may be able to enter in that country. I pray for the victims and I am close to all those who are suffering. Violence and hatred are always a defeat. This is why I am delivering a new, heartfelt appeal to all sides to launch a peace and dialogue effort in order to stop further bloodshed.“

More than 1,500 people have died in Ivory Coast as Laurent Gbagbo is trying to cling to power after losing an election last November.

Libya is locked in a conflict as rebel forces are battling for control against forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

Foto: NTD