Pope encourages Iraq on its way to elections
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The Pope reiterated today his "encouragement" for Iraq's electoral process, calling it a way to an "authentic democracy" that guarantees equal rights for all citizens. He urged the government to "settle disputes and conflicts through dialogue and negotiation, having recourse to military force only as a last resort". He also called for efforts ensure that "elections are fair and transparent giving all eligible citizens an equal opportunity in this democratic right which they are encouraged to exercise". The Pope also stressed his ongoing concern for the many victims of terrorism and violence.
In receiving Iraq's new ambassador to the Holy See, H. E. Mr. Albert Edward Ismail Yelda, who presented today his letters of credentials, the Pope repeated the concepts that he had expressed just a few days earlier when, on November 4th, he received Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi: the Pope had encouraged, in fact, the efforts of the Iraqi people in building democratic institutions that are truly representative and that protect the "rights of all", in "complete respect for the ethnic and religious diversity which has always been a source of enrichment for your country."
The only significant new element in the Pope's address of today, dictated no doubt by recent events, was his concern that military force be used only as a last resort.
In his address to the Iraqi envoy, the first named to the Holy See by the Allawi government, the Pope recalled his closeness to the "dear people of Iraq since the beginning of this period of conflict" and renewed his concern for the victims of terrorism and violence. "I pray," he added, "that they will be spared further suffering and receive the assistance they need from international humanitarian organizations".
John Paul II then recalled that the region has been home to believers in Jesus since the beginning of Christianity and that it is "a fine example" of the many ways in which the adherents of different religions can live in peace and harmony. He also expressed the "ardent hope" that with the realization of democracy, such hallmarks of Iraq's history will continue to be an essential part of society. In expressing the hope that "the Iraqi people will continue to promote their long tradition of tolerance, always recognizing the right to freedom of worship and religious instruction," he stressed the importance of "the clear distinction between the civil and religious spheres" and "respect for freedom of conscience". Citizens have the fundamental right, he said, to not suffer discrimination for their religious convictions.
He went on to say that Iraq "is currently in the throes of the difficult process of transition from a totalitarian regime to the formation of a democratic State in which the dignity of each person is respected and all citizens enjoy equal rights. Authentic democracy is possible only in a State ruled by law".
John Paul II then referred to "the struggle to overcome the challenges brought about by poverty, unemployment and violence" in Iraq, saying that "it is essential that the State, with the assistance of the International Community, promote mutual understanding and tolerance among its various ethnic and religious groups. This will enable the people of the region to create an environment that is not only committed to justice and peace but is also capable of sustaining the necessary economic growth and development integral for the well-being of all citizens".
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25/01/2005
