News / Politics

‘Totally indefensible’: Iran FM slams support for desecration of holy books in West

Monday, 25 September 2023 6:13 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 25 September 2023 6:33 AM ]

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (L) shakes hands with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in New York on September 24, 2023. (Photo by the Iranian Foreign Ministry)

The Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has censured certain governments over their “indefensible” support for the desecration of holy scriptures under the banner of free speech.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks during a meeting with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Sunday.

“In the world’s current situation that divine books are being desecrated, dialogue between the leaders and followers of the Abrahamic religions is more important than ever,” he said.

“The move by certain governments to issue permission for the desecration of religious sanctities and divine books under the pretext of freedom of expression is totally indefensible.”

He also referred to Iranian President Raeisi’s address to the UNGA, where he held up a copy of the Qur’an in denunciation of the recent blasphemous burnings of the Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark, saying, “The fires of disrespect will not overcome the divine truth.”

Amir-Abdollahian thanked Pope Francis for his condemnation of the Qur’an burning and noted that all European countries should also follow suit.

Pope Francis expresses ‘anger, disgust’ over desecration of Qur’an in Sweden

Pope Francis has condemned the desecration of the Qur’an outside a Stockholm mosque, expressing “anger and disgust” over the blasphemous move.

‘Iran backs any initiative for peace in Ukraine’

Also in his remarks, the foreign minister highlighted the Islamic Republic’s efforts to end the Ukraine war.

“Iran does not consider war a solution. It supports any initiative to achieve peace in Ukraine,” he added.

Gallagher, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with the meeting and appreciated Amir-Abdollahian for presenting important views.

He also said that it is necessary for everyone to help to establish peace in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the archbishop stressed the importance of dialogue to settle global problems and expressed his readiness to continue consultations with the Iranian side on issues of mutual interest.

He further predicted that the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia would have positive effects in the region.

Amir-Abdollahian also underlined the need for a global approach to terrorism gripping West Asia.

He further decried certain countries’ use of sanctions as a political tool against other nations, warning that the bans would complicate regional issues and lead to humanitarian consequences.

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