Pope Shenouda wants Arab lobby to be formed

Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria asked for forming a strong Arab lobby in the US and in countries which receive Arab migrants, that would be equal to the Zionist one which plays a main role in bringing pressure to bear on the decision makers in different countries.

In his meeting with the International Cairo Book Fair visitors, he said, that Arab mass media should be also found in the U.S. and elsewhere to explain the Arab viewpoint and bring our voice to reach the world public opinion.

He criticized the rife "conflict of civilizations" term and regretted that most of the times this term refers to conflict of religions.

"Civilizations cooperate and integrate and do not engage in conflicts. We have strongly denounced attempts by some to defame Islam following the September events", he said.

"We should not stamp any religion with unfavorable qualities just because some have deviated", he added. "All religions suffer from certain deviants among their followers", he said.

On the Palestinian issue, he said this cause is a just and fair one, he said but regretted that under the current Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon, the issue reached a deadlock.

He called on the Palestinians to continue their resistance and to face up to the Israeli arrogance.