This is what a Vatican statement affirms, issued today after a visit to the Vatican by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, who was received by Pope Benedict XVI for a private interview of 25 minutes, and subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, together with the secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
"The cordial discussions made reference to the recent Resolution approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations by which Palestine was recognised as a Non-member Observer State of the aforementioned Organisation. It is hoped that this initiative will encourage the commitment of the international community to finding a fair and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which may be reached only by resuming the negotiations between the Parties, in good faith and according due respect to the rights of both."
"Attention then turned to the situation in the region, troubled by numerous conflicts, in the hope that the courage for reconciliation and peace will be found."
Finally, "mention was made of the contribution Christian communities can offer to the common good in the Palestinian territories and throughout the Middle East."
Today's is the sixth meeting between Benedict XVI and Abu Mazen, the fifth to have taken place in the Vatican.
On 13 May 2009 the Pope was instead in Palestine, on the occasion of his his trip to the Holy Land.