A Free And Sovereign Nation

"As in the past, the Holy See also condemns both the terrorist attacks on the one side and the military reprisals on the other. Indeed, a State's right to self-defense does not exempt it from respecting the norms of international law, especially as regards the protection of civilian populations. "In particular, the Holy See deplores the attack on Lebanon, a free and sovereign nation, and gives assurances of its closeness to those people who have suffered so much in the defense of their own independence. "Once again, it appears obvious that the only path worthy of our civilization is that of sincere dialogue between the contending parties." SS/MIDDLE EAST VIOLENCE/SODANO VIS 060714 (180) [emphasis mine - mfi] markfromireland