Continue West Asia peace process: Pope

AMMAN, MARCH 20. Calling for the peace process to continue, Pope John Paul II arrived in Jordan today on the first leg of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land which will also take him to Israel and the Palestinian areas.

On arrival at Amman airport, the Pope emerged unsteadily from his aircraft, making the sign of the cross in blessing the waiting dignitaries from the top of the steps as Jordanian troops fired a military salute. The Pope walked down the steps one at a time with Vatican officials in close attendance and Cardinals behind. He blessed a bowl of Jordanian soil before being greeted by King Abdullah II and members of the Jordanian royal family.

Earlier, white doves symbolising peace had been set free. Welcoming the Pope, King Abdullah described the papal visit as bringing ``the hope of a brighter future to those who have known nothing but the misery of the past'' - a reference to the Pope's visit to the Palestinian areas and to Israel. ``Your presence is a call for believers in peace not to lose hope,'' the King said. ``Your message is benevolent and your cause is noble. We all pray for its fulfillment,'' he concluded. ``In this area of the world there are grave and urgent issues of justice, of the right of peoples and nations, which have to be resolved for the good of all concerned and as a condition for lasting peace,'' the Pope said in his reply.

``No matter how difficult, no matter how long, the process of seeking peace must continue. Without peace there can be no authentic development for this region, no better life for its peoples, no brighter future for its children.''

``Muslims and Christians should consider themselves as one people and one family,'' the Pontiff said. The Pontiff watched a march- past by troops of the Royal Jordanian Army, and then, with the aid of a cane held in his right hand, he made his way slowly down a red carpet to a reception hall, where he greeted leaders of the Roman, Greek and Orthodox Churches and Jordanian officials.

From the airport, the Pope was to travel in his bullet-proof ``Popemobile'' to Mount Nebo, from where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land 3,000 years ago.

- DPA

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Section  : International
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