NEW YORK - Turkey`s United Nations Permanent Representative Ambassador Baki Ilkin has stated today (Thursday) that the late Pope John Paul II was a symbol of peace, humanity and tolerance. ``The international community has lost one of its most respectful religious leaders and I offer condolences on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) members.``
Speaking on behalf of the OIC at the UN General Council, Ilkin noted that the values of peace, brotherhood, tolerance, rightfulness were all represented by the Pope`s character. ``The Pope gave messages to make the world a better place to live. He encouraged cooperation and mutual support across the globe. The world loves and respects the late Pope.``
Ambassador Ilkin stated that the Pope refused all wars, regardless of its causes, throughout the globe. ``With the Pope`s death, the world has lost a leader who dedicated his life to justice and peace. The Pope always bravely criticized injustice and authoritarian pressure.``
Ilkin stressed that the Pope was a prominent figure who supported dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations. ``The Pope supported multi-culturalism and he was a leader in spreading values in a multi-cultural atmosphere.``
Ambassador Ilkin expressed that the Pope had feelings of love for the Islamic world`s holy days. ``The Pope always expressed friendship and respect for the Islamic community. He was the first Pope who visited a mosque. The Pope was welcomed with great joy and respect in all the OIC countries he visited.``
Ilkin added that the Pope`s death is a great loss for all of humanity. ``We share the deep sorrow of our Catholic brothers and want to express our deep condolences to the whole Christian world.``
Ambassador Ilkin also expressed the OIC`s sorrow over the death of the Prince of Monaco, Rainier. ``Prince Rainer was a reformist and a very modern statesman who was respected in all corners of the world.``