Tariq Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, has traveled to Rome to discuss with opposition politicians in Italy and to meet with Pope John Paul II, the leader of Catholics worldwide. Tariq Aziz, who is himself a Christian, is scheduled to meet the Pope tomorrow, the same day that Hans Blix, the head of the United Nations weapons inspection team, will present his sensitive and important report to the UN Security Council. The Pope has urged both the United States and Iraq to avoid war, stating that war is a failure of humanity. This week, the Pope sent his special envoy to Baghdad to engage in discussions with Iraqi officials. Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister of Italy, has been one of the most serious European supporters of President Bush's firm stance on Iraq.
Meeting of Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister with the Leader of Catholics Worldwide - 2003-02-13
Tariq Aziz, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, is in Rome to meet with opposition politicians and Pope John Paul II. The Pope has called for the avoidance of war between the U.S. and Iraq, emphasizing the humanitarian implications. This meeting coincides with a critical report from UN weapons inspector Hans Blix.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Tariq Aziz visited Rome to meet with Pope John Paul II and Italian opposition politicians. This meeting coincided with a significant report from UN weapons inspector Hans Blix regarding Iraq's weapons capabilities.
- The Pope has called for the avoidance of war, emphasizing its humanitarian consequences.
- The meeting occurs just before a critical UN Security Council report on Iraq's compliance with disarmament.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
In early 2003, the U.S. was preparing for military action against Iraq, citing concerns over weapons of mass destruction. The Pope's calls for peace were part of a broader global anti-war sentiment.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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