Baghdad, Dec 15: Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz has paid tribute to Hollywood star Sean Penn saying he spoke out strongly against US war threats against Iraq.
"Aggression goes completely against the interests of the American people and threatens peace and security, not only in this region, but throughout the world," official dailies quoted the US actor and director as telling Aziz in a meeting yesterday.
The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister congratulated Penn on his "Opposition to all wars and all forms of aggression" and urged other peace activists to follow his lead "so that peace and security can reign throughout the world."
The star had previously declined to comment to reporters, insisting he wanted to avoid the limelight and concentrate on understanding the standoff between his country and the Iraqi regime.
His three-day visit which began on Friday was sponsored by the San Francisco, California-based Institute for Public Accuracy, an organisation which already sponsored a September visit to Baghdad by US House of Representatives member Nick Rahall in a bid to "Give peace a chance."


Bureau Report