Pavens appell for gislene i Japans ambassade i Lima

APPEAL FOR HOSTAGES IN JAPANESE EMBASSY IN PERU

VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 1996 (VIS) - After the angelus, John Paul II said in Spanish that "during the past few days I have followed with anxiety the grave events that have occurred in the Embassy of Japan in Peru, where many people are being held as hostages.

"Deeply united with the Peruvian nation at this hour," continued the Pope, "I cannot but lament such a cruel and immoral means of coercion, at the same time reminding everyone that violence does not build the future of a people.

"I ask you to join in my prayer, that the Lord may enlighten the minds and convert the hearts of those who have made themselves responsible for such a deplorable initiative. May God also assist the efforts being made to reach a positive solution to this sad situation.

"May the coming days be able to be, for all, truly Christmas days, full of serene inner joy.

"I wish from the bottom of my heart that the persons still being held hostage inside the Embassy of Japan in Lima will be able to celebrate Christmas in freedom, along with their families."

ANG/APPEAL EMBASSY JAPAN/PERU                                VIS 961223 (200)