Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday stressed that all sides affected by Kosovo's declaration of independence should act in the best interests of regional peace.
Speaking to Serbia's new ambassador to the Holy See, Vladeta Jankovic, the pope called on those affected by what he called ''the Kosovo crisis'' to ''act with prudence and moderation and seek solutions which foster mutual respect and reconciliation''.
''The Holy See shares your deep desire that the peace which has been reached should be attained in full and bring further stability to the region,'' he told the ambassador.
Recalling the recent history of the Balkans, the pope issued an invitation ''to accept forgiveness, to be reconciled with your neighbours, and together build a civilisation of love where all are accepted and respected''.
Benedict also recalled how much the Serbian people had suffered and said he was praying for them.
Ambassador Jankovic, for his part, urged the Holy See to continue to support Serbia's aspirations to join the European Union.
''All that Serbia expects in this process is that it be guaranteed the same treatment which has been accorded to all other free, independent and democratic Christian countries''.
He added: ''This means that its territorial integrity, including the southern province of Kosovo, must be respected.''
