Muslims Demand that Pope ApologizeSeptember 15, 2006 - 15:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Muslim figures did not like some statements, included in theological lecture of Pope Benedict XVI at University of Regensburg, Bavaria. Specifically, when citing a medieval Byzantine source, the Catholic Church leader said, «Considering what new Mohammed brought, we will see only evil and inhumanity, this is his call to spread faith by means of a sword.» In response to that head of the French Council on Muslim Religion Dalil Bubaker said, «We hope that the Catholic Church will immediately explain its position, recognizing that it does not mix us Islam and Islamism, which is not a religion, but a political ideology.» In his turn, head of the Turkish Government Committee for Religious Affairs Ali Bardakoghlu called Pope's words full of «hostility and malice.» Representatives of religious organizations, governmental and public structures of Kuwait, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and other Muslim countries have also demanded that the Catholic Church leadership apologize and provide explanations. Head of Vatican Press Office Federico Lombardi responded to this criticism, stating that Benedict XVI respects Islam, but he does not accept violence, motivated by religion. «The Holy Father definitely did not mean to hurt the feelings of Muslim believers,» Lombardi said, reports Lenta.ru. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |