Pope Shenuda: We oppose strikes against Iraq

Pope Shenuda III, the Coptic Pontiff, confirmed the Egyptian people's sympathy for the Iraqi people, who suffer from UN imposed sanctions that made access to food and medicines difficult.

He urged Arab countries to stand by the Iraqis, to defend Iraq's territorial integrity and to refuse any attempt to divide Iraq. He said, "The Arabs could form a mighty power if they unite their attitudes and thoughts."

In an unrelated issue, the Pope negated the existence of any weapons in the monasteries. He said they are not private places.