Pope says wars do not solve crises

Pope John Paul II on Monday said from the Vatican that the recent US - British attacks on Iraq reveal that war does not solve crises. In his annual speech the Pope said the latest fighting proved that war complicates situations and leaves civilians sufferings its tragic results.

In December 1998, the Vatican condemned the US - British strikes on Iraq and described them as "an aggressive act." Moreover, the Iraq issue will be a topic on the agenda of the talks the Pope will hold with US President Bill Clinton in January when he visits the US and Mexico.