February 11, 2012. (Romereports.com) Iran's ambassador to the Holy See says that to trully have justice and peace, the most effective tool is engaging in dialogue with leaders of different monotheistic religions.
During a meeting with the press, ambassador Ali Akbar Naseri, said his country is open to dialogue and cooperation with the international community, except with the state of Israel.
Ali Akbar Naseri
Iran's ambassador to the Vatican
“According to our religious convictions, we reject all forms of violence and conflict or war. The use of weapons of mass destruction or nuclear weapons are not part of our military doctrine. Therefore, our nuclear activities are peaceful.”
In Iran, Christianity gave rise in the first century. Even though statistics vary, there are roughly 120,00 Christians in the country, most of whom are Armenians. There are also Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants.
Ali Akbar Naseri
Iran's ambassador to the Vatican
“As you all know, there are few Christians in Iran, and although proportionally, it's not applicable that they have a representative in the National Assembly, they do have their own deputies who are fully respected. There has been a peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.”
The government says it respect its Christian minority, but legally in that Islamic Republic, conversions to Christianity are prohibited as well as inter-religious marriages.
In fact, back in October on 2009, when the Pope welcomed the ambassador to the Vatican, Benedict XVI gave a speech, where he said religious liberty and freedom of conscience are basic universal rights that are the true source of other freedoms.
The relationship between Iran and the Vatican have been friendly. In November 2010 President Ahmadinejad said he would happily welcome the Pope, if he decided to visit his country.
The 55 year old ambassador is an expert in law, theology and philosophy. At one point he was the rector of a learning center and a member of Iran's Legislative Assembly.
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