Topic: Iraqi parliament criticizes pope's apology as not strong enough

Media: The Associated Press
Byline: n/a
Date: 19 September 2006

Body:


BAGHDAD, Iraq_Iraq's parliament on Tuesday rejected Pope Benedict XVI's
explanation of his remarks on the Prophet Muhammad's teachings as not being
clear enough, and demanded a "clear-cut apology."

Benedict on Sunday said he was "deeply sorry" over any hurt caused by his
comments made in a speech last week, in which he quoted a medieval text
characterizing some of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings as "evil and
inhuman" and calling Islam a religion spread by the sword.

The words provoked outrage around the Islamic world, giving rise to protests
and prompting widespread calls for an apology.

Benedict on Sunday said the remarks came from a text that did not reflect
his own opinion, but he did not retract what he said or say he was sorry he
uttered what proved to be explosive words.

Iraq's parliament said in a statement read at a press conference that the
pontiff needed to do more.

Parliament "demands the pope take practical steps to restoring self respect
to the Islamic world and its religion, and a clear-cut apology for what he
said," the statement said.

It added that the demand was aimed to ensure that similar remarks would not
be made in the future and to create an "encouraging environment for openness
and close relationship among religions, dropping all that would lead to
hatred."