The Pope: peaceful efforts on Iraq should be exhausted
Iraq-Vatican, Politics, 3/17/2003

Pope John Paul II yesterday warned against "grave consequences" if the war erupts against Iraq. He also called on Baghdad to "cooperate completely with the international community in order to eliminate every and each reason for military intervention," recalling that he "witnessed the second world war and had escaped it" and that it is his duty to never be for war.

In a firm tone, in a sermon he held yesterday at Saint Peter Square, the Pope said "I do not want to remind members of the UN Security Council .. that using forces is the last resort, as stated by the UN charter."

The pope added that "concerning the grave implications of an international military operation against the Iraqi people and the whole Middle East region which had suffered a lot and because of the extremist conflict that might arise from it, I would say for all: there is still a plenty of time for negotiations and that there is still a space for peace and time never expires for understanding and continued efforts."

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  The Vatican: war against Iraq is a crime against peace   (2/25/2003)
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