Then, Benedict XVI spoke of Brazil, a country in which he will go on an apostolic visit in May, mentioning "improvement in some economic indicators, commitment in the fight against drug dealing and corruption, the many integration processes, efforts to improve access to education, fight unemployment and reduce inequalities in the distribution of income". Then, he spoke of the situation in Colombia ("strive to the utmost to pacify the country"), Cuba, Vietnam, Timor East, Korea (where "dangerous hotbeds of tensions" are brooding). Among the countries that are "causes for concern", he mentioned Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Middle East. As to the latter, he said that "the Lebanese are entitled to see the integrity and sovereignty of their country respected; Israelis are entitled to live in peace in their State; Palestinians are entitled to a free and sovereign country. If each one of the region’s peoples see its expectations considered and feels less threatened, mutual trust will increase". (to be continued)
