A delegation promoted by the Swiss bishops is currently in Iran for a series of meetings with representatives of other religions and with the political authorities. The workgroup (GTI) was received by former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami who emphasized – as the spokesman of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference Mario Galgano reports – “the crucial importance of dialogue between the civilizations to build lasting peace in the world, without violence or terrorism”. The delegation was also received by ayatollah Araghi, chairman of an organization aimed at intensifying cultural and religious links both inside and outside Iran. Ayatollah Araghi stressed the need to respect the rights of religions and minorities. One of the objectives of the workgroup was to meet with the Christian and Jewish minorities in the country. The Swiss delegation has been able to contact representatives of the Chaldean, Latin and Armenian Orthodox Churches.
