Posted on 11/11/2005 6:40:37 AM PST by NYer
President Talabani Says Benedict XVI Sees Progress in Constitution
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 10, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The Iraqi Constitution guarantees the rights and freedom of the nation's Christians, President Jalal Talabani told Benedict XVI.
The country's constitution, and the scourge of terrorism, were the main topics of the talks between the Pope and Talabani, who was received in audience today in the Vatican.
In statements published by AsiaNews, Talabani later said that the Holy Father referred to the Iraqi Constitution as "progress."
For his part, the president said he assured the Pope that the rights and freedom of Iraqi Christians will be guaranteed.
The meeting between the two men took place in an atmosphere that those present described as "very cordial."
As on other similar occasions, it started with a private audience of about 20 minutes followed by a public session during which gifts were exchanged and the members of the two delegations were introduced.
The Holy See has not published any official statement on the issues addressed in the audience.
Grateful
President Talabani gave the Bishop of Rome a picture, which he was unable to hand to him personally, as he forgot it in the car, a "small inconvenience that did not affect the cordiality of the meeting," commented Vatican Radio.
After his meeting with the Pope, Talabani met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano.
The Iraqi president told the press afterward that he was "very grateful" to have met the Pope, who also gave his blessing to Iraq and Iraqis.
"I brought him up to date about the situation and talked to him about the elections and the constitution," Talabani said. "He told me that he thought the constitution was progress and a good thing. He also said that he was following events in Iraq and that he prayed for Iraqis. I assured him that every freedom will be guaranteed to Christians."
Talabani also said that Wednesday's terrorist attacks in Amman, Jordan, "were a crime, like those committed against Iraqis."
"In Jordan, there are groups that back terrorism. The attack will help the country understand the true nature of terrorism, which kills our brothers, women and children," he said, adding that he sent a message of solidarity to King Abdullah of Jordan.
Meanwhile, Friday's Italian edition of the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano reported a suicide attack in a restaurant in Baghdad, which left 35 dead and more than 20 wounded.
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We will see:
Saudi Arabia - Conversion by a Muslim to another religion is punishable by death. Bibles are illegal. Churches are illegal.
Yemen - Bans proselytizing by non-Muslims and forbids conversions. The Government does not allow the building of new non-Muslim places of worship.
Kuwait - Registration and licensing of religious groups. Members of religions not sanctioned in the Koran may not build places of worship. Prohibits organized religious education for religions other than Islam.
Egypt - Islam is the official state religion and primary source of legislation. Accordingly, religious practices that conflict with Islamic law are prohibited. Muslims may face legal problems if they convert to another faith. Requires non-Muslims to obtain what is now a presidential decree to build a place of worship.
Algeria - The law prohibits public assembly for purposes of practicing a faith other than Islam. Non-Islamic proselytizing is illegal, and the Government restricts the importation of non-Islamic literature for distribution.
Jordan - Has the death penalty for any Muslim selling land to a Jew.
Sudan - Conversion by a Muslim to another religion is punishable by death.
Pakistan - Conversion by a Muslim to another religion is punishable by death. Bans proselytizing by non-Muslims. Christians regularly put in prison for charges of blasphemy.
Any words from the Pope?
I don't believe muslims will respect any other religions rights, but at least the pledge can be used as a club.
sorry you are wrong on the club thing. they are instructed to lie to all infidels, the pope is an infidel to them, actually, he is one of the head infidels, lol.
Well I'm glad you assume to know me so well, but the fact is I've been aware of islamic taqiyya for years.
Why do you think I said I will never believe muslims will respect any other religion? Because the quran tells them not to that is why...........
But the fact is the Iraqi President has publicly stated to the Pope that other religious groups will be respected. That can be used as a political tool to push for religious rights period..........
Perhaps you can explain how such a promise can't be used as a political tool. Will it mean anything? probably not but its better than no concession at all.
"Christians' Rights Will Be Respected"
Or What is left of them, less than 700,000. The iraqi record is plenty, and no words of a president in turmoil can change that. Iraqi Christians? they are the leaven of Mesopotamia.
If nothing else, you get the feeling that Talibani knows which buttons to push, depending on whether it's a home audience or American. Good luck to him.
Make that Talabani. Talibani's aren't very good politicians, and it shows.
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