‘Iran has no wish to attack, invade or meddle in any country’
‘Iran has no wish to attack, invade or meddle in any country’
Iran’s pivotal role in Middle East peace and in fighting terrorism and arms trafficking in the fraught region were the focus of talks between Hassan Rouhani and Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday.
The Vatican described the closed-door discussions between Francis and Iran’s President as “cordial” and said “common spiritual values emerged” during their meeting. The Vatican statement called relations between the Holy See and the Islamic Republic “good”. Apparently referring to Iran’s Christian minority, it urged “the promotion of the dignity of the human person and religious freedom”.
“Attention then turned to the conclusion and application of the Nuclear Accord and the important role that Iran is called upon to fulfil, along with other countries in the region, to promote suitable political solutions to the problems afflicting the Middle East, to counter the spread of terrorism and arms trafficking,” the statement said. “In this respect, the parties highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and peace,” it added.
President Hassan Rouhani brought the Pope a red-toned carpet and explained that the rug was hand-made in the holy city of Qom. Francis seemed curious as Hassan leafed through a book illustrating Iranian artworks, another gift. The Pope’s gift had a spiritual spin. Francis bestowed a medal depicting St. Martin giving his cloak to a shivering man, saying the gesture represents a sign of brotherhood.
Iran does not intend to attack, invade or interfere in the affairs of any country, Mr Rouhani said Tuesday, claiming his country was a bedrock in the conflict-wracked Middle East. “Today, Iran is the safest most stable country in the whole region, a country that doesn’t intend to attack, invade or meddle in the affairs of any state,” Mr Rouhani told a business forum in Rome.
