Pope stresses Iran's right to use peaceful N-energy
Rome, May 5, IRNA
Iran-Nuclear-Khatami-Pope
Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican on Friday stressed Iran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Pope Benedict was speaking in a meeting with former Iranian president and Head of the International Center of Dialogue among Cultures and Civilizations Mohammad Khatami.
Like other big states, Iran should use peaceful nuclear energy, he said.
He pointed to freedom of religions in Iran and added there is a peaceful coexistence and respect among divine religions in the country.
He said he was informed that religious minorities have MPs in Iran's parliament and their rights are respected.
Referring to escalation of tension and aggravation of political and security problems in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and the occupied Palestine, the pope said Europe is well aware of Iran's power in the region.
By relying on its peaceful policies, said the pope, Iran can play an important role in resolving regional problems and crises.
Meanwhile, Khatami said, "Today, Muslims, Christians and followers of other divine religions should stress their commonalties and strive to maintain unity in the face of insecurity and violence." The former president regarded lack of kindness and justice as the root cause of main problems for mankind.
Stressing Iran's right to acquire nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, he said, "Execution of unfair and double standards are among realities which create problems."
Pointing to problems in Palestine, the former president said, "It should be admitted that peace plans set forth for Palestine so far have not been fair.
"Those who claimed they were implementing the plans were not fair and impartial," he said.
Khatami also slammed continuation of Iraq's occupation by the US and its allies, and said Iraq's occupation has intensified insecurity, extremism, terrorism and caused massacre of hundreds of thousands of innocent people in the country.
After his meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, Khatami held talks with Vatican's Prime Minister Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Foreign Minister Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
The former president also met with Italy's Prime Minister Romano Prodi and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Pierre Fernando Cassini Friday evening.
Pope stresses Iran's right to use peaceful N-energy
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