LOC23:23
20:23 GMT
CAIRO, Sept 26 (KUNA) -- Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and
Patriarch of Saint Mark Episcopate, on Monday urged the United States to
pursue a balanced policy in dealing with the Palestinian cause and to support
the peace process.
The remarks were made by the Pope during his meeting with U.S. Ambassador
to Cairo Anne Patterson.
Shenouda expressed hope the United States would not impede the fulfillment
of the Palestinian dream to have an independent state recognized by the
international community.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday presented to the United
Nations a request for full membership to the Palestinian state.
On the Egyptian issue, the pope expressed his rejection to any interference
in the internal affairs of Egypt, especially with regard to religious freedom
and the status of the Egyptian Christians.
For her part, Petterson hailed the Coptic Church's constructive role in
interfaith dialogue and rapprochement and the Pope's keenness on Egyptian
national unity and social peace.
The US diplomat also lauded the dialogue between the Coptic Church and
Al-Azhar. (end)
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KUNA 262323 Sep 11NNNN