14. Februar 2003 in English
This morning, Friday, February 14, 2003, the Holy Father received Tariq Aziz
Vatican (kath.net/VIS)
Following is the declaration made earlythis afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Vallsconcerning the visit to the Vatican by Tariq Aziz:
"This morning, Friday, February 14, 2003, the Holy Father received TariqAziz, vice prime minister of the Republic of Iraq who, following theaudience, met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, accompaniedby Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.
"The meetings allowed for a broad exchange of ideas on the well-knowndanger of an armed intervention in Iraq which would add further serioussufferings to those populations, already tried by long years of embargo.
"Mr. Aziz wished to give assurances concerning the will of the Iraqigovernment to cooperate with the international community, especially on thematter of disarmament. For its part, the Holy See repeated the need tofaithfully respect, with concrete commitments, the Resolutions of the UnitedNations Security Council, guaranteed by international law.
"And lastly, it was reiterated that the Catholic Church will continue itswork of educating to peace and coexistence among peoples, so that in everycircumstance peaceful solutions will be found.
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