Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos Leaves For Iran

ISTANBUL, Jan 11 (A.A) - Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos left for Iran on Friday as the guest of Iranian Minister of Islamic Culture and Guidance.
Speaking at Ataturk Airport, Bartholomeos said that the aim of the visit is to improve the dialogue between religions and cultures.
Recalling that the representatives of three religions Islam, Christianity and Judaism met in Brussels last month, Bartholomeos said that ''we took a decision against terrorism. Certainly our weapons against terrorism are spiritual. Our aim is to persuade people, to improve peace and mutual trust and respect. Our aim is to prevent terrorism and all sorts of hostility and to improve international relations.''
Noting that Iran is open to dialogue although it is a theocratic regime, Bartholomeos said that the invitation made to him also showed that.
He said that he would meet with Iranian President Khatami, the Supreme Leader Khamenei and the chairman and members of Interreligious Dialogue Centre and meet with Turkish and Greek Ambassadors to Iran in dinner.
Bartholomeos added that he would direct the mass at Greek Orthodox Church in Tehran on January 13.