Roma (AsiaNews/Agencies) In a radio interview Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Cardinal Sodano stated that "the Holy see is ready to act as a mediator to save Najaf, the Shiites' holy city."
"If called upon, the Holy Father will readily agree," Cardinal Sodano said, "so that all parties may come to the negotiating table to talk."
The Secretary explained that "the Pope's and the Vatican's actions are centred on mediation. Our offer may not technically correspond to mediation under international law, but it comes close to providing 'good offices' to help parties talk. For this reason we are ready. And certainly, the Holy Father will not back out."
In the interview Cardinal Sodano also assessed the situation in Iraq. "All the killings taking place," he said, "are bringing dishonour to Islam and the noble people of Iraq. We ask the sacred character of the cities be respected and condemn any form of violence."
Two other offers of mediation have been made today, one coming from envoys representing the delegates at the National Conference, the other from the United Nations envoy in Iraq Ashraf Qazi.
"We're ready," Qazi said, "and it's our duty to address any situation if all the parties do the same."