Argentine and Chilean presidents Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Michelle Bachelet held a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI yesterday in Rome, marking the 25th anniversary of the agreement between Argentina and Chile over the Beagle Channel.

The Pope underlined in a speech that the ratification of the Peace and Friendship Treaty between both countries was an "honourable, reasonable and impartial solution," which allowed avoiding war between the two nations. "It was an example of chosing peace before barbaric violence," he added.

In 1978, when Argentina and Chile were ruled by military dictatorships, both countries were on the brink of war against each other over three very small islands in the Beagle Channel. The conflict was resolved through papal mediation and since 1984 and the peace treaty Argentina recognizes the islands as Chilean territory.

"This tale is part of the great history of the two nations and of Latin America," he said during his speech held in Spanish in the Sala Clementina room of the Vatican palace.

Benedict XVI added that the treaty was "indissociable from the figure of John Paul II," reminding that the precedent pope was "tied by feelings of affection to the nations" and was an "unstoppable peace messenger."

The Pope concluded, reminding the important role of John Paul II in finding a solution to avoid conflict between Chile and Argentina 25 years ago.

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner agreed, saying that "if a war would have taken place, it would have been an irreparable tragedy."

The Argentine president also reminded the important role of the Vatican. "We have to understand that we avoided a war thanks to Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Antonio Samoré," she said. Argentines and Chileans have "lived peacefully thanks to their actions," she added.

Reminding that her husband and former president Nestor Kirchner named a square in Rio Gallegos (Southern Argentina) with the Cardinal's name, Cristina repeated that "the role of the Vatican, John Paul II and Samoré has to be underlined."

After a private meeting with the Pope, CFK expressed her "deep emotion and feelings".

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet also praised the role of the catholic state in solving the conflict 25 years ago, notably "John Paul II and Cardinal Salomé."

Bachelet also expressed her happiness and the "joy of the whole Chilean people for this incredible meeting with Pope Benedict XVI."