"What about the negation of the Shoa ...?"

The Iranian Ambassador Ali Akbar Naseri & ITV's ace Italian female reporter Serena Sartini interview!

Vatican - Iranian Diplomacy


Snippet from Inside The Vatican magazine. August / September 2011.

ITV's Serena Sartini asks the Ambassador:

"What about the negation of the Shoa?"

The Iranian Ambassador's reply:

"The Holocaust was a historical event like many others in the history of humanity.

"We think that the world and researchers are entitled to know the truth about this event, which requires in - depth study.

"Why must this research be considered a crime in Western countries?

"Why deny the right to investigate such an important event?

"As far as we are concerned, we authorize research on issues like the existence of God, provided this does not give rise to social unrest...

"This is not the case with Western countries: for example, why were the cartoons of the Prophet of Islam Muhammad -- peace be with him -- not treated as a crime, but rather as an instance of freedom of expression?

"Why is research on the Holocaust prohibited?'

"We do not deny the Holocaust and condemn all forms of massacre and genocide.

"But if the current version of the Holocaust is correct, if things really went as historians say, why should Palestinians pay for this massacre?

"Why should Palestinians be attacked and their land be occupied by the Jews?

"Our president does not deny the Holocaust on principle, but calls for academic freedom on this issue..."

A little later on, Serena Sartini asks her final question:

"Do you think that it will be difficult for the Pope to visit Iran?"

"Ambassador Naseri: At the moment there are mutual visits at the highest level between Iran and the Holy See.

"Needless to say, we hope that the Supreme Pontiff will visit Iran, as this is a country with a great cultural heritage and civilization.

"When President Ahmadinejad met Cardinal Tauran, he declared that if Benedict XVI should come to Iran, he would receive a warm welcome ...."

Wow! Guess we'll just have to see, huh??!! :)