Iran calls for Vatican interference to stop blasphemy

Tehran, 2008 Feb 6, IRNA

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Wednesday that the world community is witnessing the ugly phenomenon of blasphemy, requiring the religious leaders to preach against this modern malady.

In a meeting with Vatican Ambassador to Iran Jean Paul Gobel, Mottaki called for regular consultations between the religious leaders.

Gobel handed over a copy of his credentials to Mottaki.

Mottaki said that Iranian nation is interested in dialogue, justice and logic and they have set a pattern of co-existence with the religious minorities.

The Iranian foreign minister said that Iran and the Holy See have excellent relations and he called for further cooperation.

He invited Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mamberti to visit Iran and said that Iran is keen on setting up permanent mission to the Holy See.

Archbishop Gobel said that Iran has great contribution to civilization with longstanding amity with Christianity.

He said that the Holy See is also ready to set up permanent mission with Iran.

The Holy See officials are willing to develop relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Gobel said.