ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO H.E. MR ALI ABDULLAH SALEH,
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN*

Friday, 26 November 2004

Mr. President,

I am pleased to greet you and your entourage as you come to the Vatican, and I thank you for the kind sentiments you have expressed on behalf of the people of Yemen.

During this period of unrest in your region, I urge you and all men and women of good will to combat terrorism, striving for peace and justice. This is only possible when people recognize the ongoing need for tolerance and mutual understanding. In this regard, I encourage you in your efforts to foster the spirit of frank and open dialogue between the different religions and peoples of the Arabian Peninsula. It is my fervent prayer that Almighty God may impart to you and all the Yemeni people, the gifts of peace, harmony and reconciliation.