VATICAN CITY, OCT. 29, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says that effective international organizations, including the United Nations, are needed in the face of the challenge posed by terrorism.
The Pope also said it is imperative that nations respect international treaties.
The Holy Father made these statements today when receiving the letters of credence of the new Iranian ambassador to the Holy See, Mohammed Javad Faridzadeh.
In his address, John Paul II highlighted the need for all countries, including Iran, to respect international treaties, in particular the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.
«To arrive at a balanced international order, in the face of terrorism that seeks to impose its law, the will to build a common future that guarantees peace for all presupposes the commitment of the states to equip themselves with stable, effective and recognized instruments, such as the United Nations and the other international organizations,» he said.
«This action in favor of peace implies also a courageous action against terrorism, to build a world in which all can recognize themselves as children of the same almighty and merciful God,» the Pope added.
«Of course, the building of peace presupposes reciprocal trust so as not to see in the other a threat but an interlocutor, also accepting the links and mechanisms of control that involve common commitments such as multilateral treaties and agreements,» he continued.
In particular, John Paul II referred to the agreements guaranteeing «respect of the environment, control of the arms trade and the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, the defense of children, and the rights of minorities.»
«The Holy See,» he said, «will spare no efforts to convince state authorities to renounce every occasion of violence or force, and to always make negotiation prevail as a means to overcome the differences and conflicts that can arise among nations, groups and individuals.»
