Vatican insists diplomacy must resolve Iran crisis
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The Vatican insisted Saturday that diplomacy can and must resolve the international crisis over Iran's nuclear program.
The Holy See "is firmly convinced that even the present difficulties can and must be overcome through the diplomatic path, using all means which diplomacy can avail itself of," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement.
The Vatican's appeal for a diplomatic solution came as Iran's foreign minister said that a breakthrough was possible over Tehran's nuclear program, but only if the United States drops its conditions for negotiations.
"The Holy See supports, as always, every initiative aimed at open and constructive dialogue," Navarro-Valls said in his statement.
The Vatican spokesman said "in particular, it appears necessary that, through confidential contacts, those elements that objectively impede reciprocal trust be removed, without ever dismissing any sign of good will given by either side, and having regard for the honor and sensitivity of every country."
Using that approach, both sides can move closer together, Navarro-Valls said.