Pope Francis calls for dialogue for solid peace

ANKARA, Nov 28 (KUNA) -- Pope Francis Friday called for the initiation of dialogue to be held in calm atmosphere in order to build peace that would be solid and based on respect of major rights related to dignity of mankind.
At a joint news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pope Francis said he was personally concerned about the "tragic" situation on the Syrian borders.
The Holy See, saying the international community's help of the Syrian refugees was "a moral obligation," praised Turkey's "generosity" when it received hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.
He said the terrorist acts in Syria and Iraq were violating the simplest principles of humanity, forcing displacement of minorities like Christians and Yazidis.
Erdogan said Pope Francis' visit would have positive impacts on the Islamic world. The Prime Minister wished the visit would pave way for a new phase of coalition of civilization and world peace.
He said he and the Vatican chief shared the views over international issues, the fight against terrorism and violence.
Erdogan called for the promotion of the culture of co-existence around the world, and regretted the growing sectarianism, discrimination and hatred as well as spread of Islamophobia, and the rising aggression against Muslims in the Western countries.
On Palestine, Erdogan said the Israeli "state terrorism against innocent children and women in Gaza which lead to death does not concern the world, and the world continues to ignore the attacks and violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque." For his part, Head of Turkey's religious affairs directorate Mehmet Gormez said some international media were promoting what he called "sectarian speeches" that encouraged crimes against Muslims. "These speeches will be disasterous," he added.
Addressing the same news conference, Gormez said this region has always been home for all humans regardless of their faith or ethnicity, as it contained churches as much as it contained mosques.
This is Pope Francis' first visit to Turkey, and the fourth by a Holy see since 1967. (end) rs.bs