Rome, Feb 16: Iraqi deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz today called on the United States to listen to international public opinion, after millions marched in anti-war demonstrations throughout the world this weekend. "My message to the United States, after the pro-peace demonstrations, is that they should listen to the voice of international public opinion," said Aziz at Rome's main Fiumicino airport from where he left for Baghdad via Istanbul after a four-day visit to Italy and the Vatican.
Aziz also warned Christian countries in Europe against backing the United States in a "war of aggression that would be seen by Arab countries and the Muslim world as a crusade against Arabs and Islam".
Aziz' Turkish Airlines flight was delayed for 50 minutes for stepped-up security checks of luggage and passengers, the airport's telenews wire reported.
Aziz, Baghdad's roving ambassador, prayed for peace at the tomb of saint Francis of Assisi yesterday as millions of people joined anti -war demonstrations in Rome and other European countries.
"My message is peace. The people of Iraq want peace," the Iraqi diplomat said as he left a solemn ceremony at the tomb of the 13th century saint.
His visit had been built around an audience with pope John Paul II on Friday, following which he met with Italy's foreign minister Franco Frattini and a string of Italian politicians. Bureau Report