Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope Says Iran Should be Cooperative

The Christian Post

By Frances D'Emilio
Associated Press Writer
Mon, Jan. 08 2007 05:19 PM ET

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(Photo: AP / Maurizio Brambatti, pool)

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his speech during an audience with diplomats in the Regia hall at the Vatican, Monday, Jan 8, 2007. Benedict XVI called for negotiations to end fighting in Somalia, warned that democracies must not be transformed into dictatorships in Latin America and urged Iran to cooperate with the international community over concerns about its nuclear program.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI said Monday that Iran should cooperate with the international community to ease concerns over its nuclear ambitions, and North Korea should avoid any action that could hurt talks to resolve its atomic crisis.

In the Vatican's traditional New Year review of the world's hot spots, Benedict expressed hope that leaders would take advantage of progress in Israeli-Palestinian relations to forge a negotiated peace.

Benedict also used the annual speech to diplomats accredited to the Holy See to draw attention to Latin America, which he will visit next spring when he makes a pilgrimage to Brazil. He urged nations to open up to Cuba and restore security in Colombia, including an end to frequent kidnappings there.

While lamenting grim situations in much of the world, the pontiff said there were signs of hope from the Middle East.

"I renew my urgent appeal to all parties involved in the complex political chessboard of the region, hoping for a consolidation of the positive signs noted in recent weeks between Israelis and Palestinians," the pontiff said.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 9:09 PM