Trouble-free Papal visit proves a diplomatic boost for Govt

NEW DELHI, NOV 7: The Vajpayee Government's first foreign affairs exercise did go much better than expected, and officials in New Delhi a...

NEW DELHI, NOV 7: The Vajpayee Government8217;s first foreign affairs exercise did go much better than expected, and officials in New Delhi are upbeat over a trouble-free visit of the Pope John Paul II and feel that India has been able to convey its perspectives on foreign relations to the Pope.

Both the Government and Vatican described the visit as 8220;memorable and successful8221; ensuring warm and cordial ties between the two countries. The Pope did speak his mind on the issues of conversion, albeit in a veiled manner stressing the freedom of religion in Asia. For the government it was a major diplomatic boost as the Indian leaders were able to convey the Indian position on some crucial issues, that will go in their favour they believe.

Yesterday, both President Narayanan and Prime Minister Vajpayee had stressed India8217;s commitment to global peace and explained India8217;s position vis-a-vis its neighbours. Government sources say that they were apprehensive about what was in the mind of the Pope, but the visit hasgone much better than expected.

They recall that the Pope was known for his strong views on sensitive issues and was known to have his say even with leaders like Fidel Castro. He has taken a stand on issues like abortion, celibacy, human rights and freedom, they say.

It may be recalled that India drew considerable flak from the United States and some other Western countries after the Graham Staines incident and attacks on Christians around the country. India8217;s secular credentials had suffered a dent as US had gone as far as criticising the attack on Christians in a report expressing concern on the plight of minorities in India.

The Government, which was keen to avoid any embarrassing statement from Vatican, succeeded. Government sources say that at a critical juncture when Western countries were inching closer to India, the Vatican8217;s gesture would only boost India8217;s cause.

South Block mandarins feel that they were able to send the right messages at the outset itself, ensuring that the Vaticanlistened to what India had to convey and refrained from any statement on the incidents against Christians in India.

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In the end there were no strongly worded statements, just friendly nods and handshakes that added another positive chapter to Indo-Vatican ties, moving away from the suspicion created by incidents related to attacks on Christians in India.

The Pope also announced an assistance of three lakh dollars Rs 1.35 crore as relief to victims of Orissa cyclone.

Announcing this, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Archbishop Alan de Lastic said this was an expression of the Pontiff8217;s love for the people of India.

The archbishop thanked President K R Narayanan, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani and External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and various others for their efforts to make the Papal visit a happy and memorable one. He also prayed to God for guidance to the new government.

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The Pope will leave for Tbilisi, the Capital of Georgiaaboard a special Air India flight on Monday.