May 21, 2012. (Romereports.com) For the past three years, Ali Akbar Naseri has served as Iran's ambassador to the Holy See. But now, he is leaving this position to return to his country and serve in the national parliament. Ambassador Naseri says his time in Rome will help him to work better with the religious minorities in Iran.
Ali Akbar Naseri
Ambassador of Iran to the Holy See
“I have been able to successfully improve bilateral relations, which was also recognized by the Vatican authorities. On the basis of my new role in the House of Parliament, I'll try to improve this bilateral relationship again, and I'm happy to do this.”
Iran has a population of 78 million people, 98% of which is Muslim. The remaining two percent is made up of Christians, Jews, Zoroastrian, and Baha'i.
The country's protection of religious freedom has been criticized for allegedly allowing intimidation and harassment of religious minorities. However, Ambassador Naseri says that these reports do not accurately reflect the situation in his country.
Ali Akbar Naseri
Ambassador of Iran to the Holy See
“We promote the rights of citizens in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the rights of citizens are guaranteed. Also the rights of citizens of other religions are also guaranteed. Iran is a successful model for peaceful cohabitation for followers of different religions.”
To insure that these religious minorities have a voice in government, the House of Parliament dedicates five seats for their representation.
Ali Akbar Naseri
Ambassador of Iran to the Holy See
“In Iran's House of Parliament, there are representatives from the Jewish and Christian communities. And I will work to collaborate with the representatives of these religious communities.”
Ambassador Naseri will return to his country just in time for the beginning of the parliament's session on May 27. His hope is that Iran's next ambassador will continue to improve inter-religious dialogue, something that has been a goal of both Iran and the Vatican ever since diplomatic relations were officially established some fifty years ago.
AE
-FF
-VM
- PR
