In an address during the opening ceremony of the conference Islam in a Pluralistic World, Khatami stressed the need to establish a foundation against nuclear weapons comprised of the three religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
“It is the duty of the entire religious community to save the world from atomic bombs and chemical weapons,” he said.
Khatami reiterated Iran’s position that the country’s nuclear program is meant for peaceful purposes and that possession of nuclear weapons is against the nation’s political and religious principles.
In an indirect reference to the United States and its allies, he condemned policies that fan the flames of war between Muslims and Christians.
“The only thing that we can learn from war is to not allow it to be repeated.”
Khatami's comments carried extra resonance in Vienna, where the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-nation board is scheduled to meet November 24 and could consider referring Iran to the UN Security Council to face possible sanctions over its nuclear program, the Associated Press reported.
He did not specifically name the United States, but sharply denounced previous statements from the White House and other nations that have spoken of a “crusade” against Islamic terrorism.
“To fan the flames of war between Muslims and Christians is an unethical act… only carried out by a bullying and violence-seeking people,” he said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Khatami noted that pluralism can only succeed through peace not enmity.
“A crisis in one part of the earth will have a certain influence on other places on the planet. Therefore, it is essential to establish a type of dialogue in which pluralism is viewed as an advantage rather than a weakness.”
In a world that is rapidly changing with no lasting foundation of integrity, religion can act as such a foundation, providing people refuge and peace, he observed.
Khatami noted that religion can increase social cohesion and promote solidarity among different strata of society.
“Religion can protect the world from arrogance and dictatorship. At the heart of every religion is peace.”
HL/HG
End
MNA
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