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From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Sun Dec 05 2010 - 10:38:17 EST
Pope denounces kidnapping of Eritrean migrants in Sinai
Dec 5, 2010, 12:13 GMT
Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday urged an end to the plight of
dozens of migrants, mainly from Eritrea, believed to be held hostage by
human traffickers, along the Egypt-Israel border.
The pontiff also denounced the violent clashes in Egypt during the country's
elections and called for an end to terrorist attacks against both Muslims
and Christians in Iraq.
Benedict made the appeals after delivering his Sunday Angelus blessing
before thousands of people gathered in St Peter's Square.
The pontiff referred to the 'victims of traffickers and criminals as in the
ordeal of the hostages from Eritrea and other nations in the Sinai Desert'.
Several humanitarian organisations say at least 80 Eritrean refugees have
been held hostage by traffickers on the Egypt-Israel border for over the
last 30 days.
According to some reports, the smugglers are demanding payment of 8,000
dollars per refugee before releasing them.
'The respect of the rights of all is the prerequisite for civil
co-existence,' Benedict said.
'Our prayer to the Lord and our solidarity can bring hope to those who are
suffering,' the pontiff said.
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