Pope urges Musharraf to work for dialogue

Pope John Paul II urged President Pervez Musharraf to work for dialogue and tolerance in the troubled Indian sub-continent during an audience at the Vatican on Thursday. "In these times of turmoil and violence, I encourage you and your fellow citizens to continue to foster a spirit of dialogue and tolerance in your region," the pope said in an address to the visiting leader and his entourage at his Apostolic Vatican Palace.
"It is only by acknowledging the need for mutual understanding among peoples, through a frank and open exchange of ideas, that the world can obtain true justice and peace," John Paul II added.
The meeting between the leader of the Islamic republic and the head of the Roman Catholic Church came as Musharraf wound up a short visit to Italy and the Vatican.
President Musharraf had a one-on-one meeting with the Pontiff at the Papal Apartment before joined in by the members of the delegation.
The Pope welcomed the President and extended his warm greetings. He thanked Musharraf for the kind sentiments he expressed on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the Pontiff, a statement released by the Vatican said.
Later, the Pope and the President Musharraf were joined by the Pakistani delegation
The President introduced First Lady Begum Sehba Musharraf, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sheikh Rashid, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and Minister of State for Tourism, Sumera Malik to the Pope. The Pope exchanged gifts with the President and the members of the entourage.
Later, the President held formal talks with Secretary of the State Cardinal Angelo Sodano. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Earlier, on his arrival at the Vatican Basilica, the Prefect Papal Household and Commandant Pontifical Swiss Guard received the President. The Swiss Guard presented salute to the President.
Musharraf was then proceeded to the Papal apartment and received by Pope John Paul, who invited him to his Library for private conversation. After the meeting, President Musharraf took round of the majestic Vatican Basilica.
Meanwhile, Federation of All Pakistani Associations in Italy presented a shield to President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday in appreciation of his leadership in bringing about economic turnaround and raising the prestige of the country internationally.
Ch Shabbir Ahmad, president of FAPI, presented the shield to Musharraf in presence of ambassador of Pakistan Mirza Qamar Beg.
The gathering of Pakistani expatriates gave a standing ovation to the President, paying tributes to him for steering Pakistan to socio-economic progress.