Pope wants ‘respectful’ deal

Pope Benedict XVI yesterday called for a Middle East peace agreement that is “respectful of the legitimate aspirations” of Israelis and Palestinians, during a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

The Pope said he hoped Israeli and Palestinian leaders’ resumption of direct talks in Washington would assist the parties in reaching a deal “capable of bringing lasting peace to the Holy Land and to the entire region”, the Vatican said in a statement.

He also condemned all forms of violence and affirmed “the necessity of guaranteeing better conditions of life to all the peoples of the area”.