More
Matrix Masters
Blogs
World Events
US News
Science & Health
Earth News
Free Speech
News from Africa
News from Palestine
Bill of Rights Under Attack

Matrix Masters'
SUPPORTERS

Lorenzo's
Random Musings
. . . about Chaos,
Reason, and Hope

 

Pope and Romans Give Bush Hell
(Rachel Sanderson and Steve Holland, Reuters, June 4, 2004)
Pope John Paul and anti-war protesters delivered a common message to President Bush when he visited Rome on Friday -- return Iraq to Iraqis. . . . Thousands marched across the city massed behind a large banner reading "No War -- No Bush." . . . Riot police with shields and batons scuffled with small groups of masked protesters, some of whom threw bottles and flares, but there were no reports of serious injuries. . . . The pope, who strongly opposed the U.S.-led war in Iraq, met Bush and spoke of his concern about the "grave unrest" in the Middle East. He called for the "speedy return of Iraq's sovereignty." . . . "It is the evident desire of everyone that this situation now be normalized as quickly as possible with the active participation of the international community and, in particular, the United Nations organization," the 84-year-old pontiff said. . . . Bush responded by telling the pope he would work for "human liberty and human dignity." He made no direct mention of Iraq or the prison abuse scandal that angered the Vatican. . . . Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a staunch Bush ally, had warned of violent protests. Fears of a repeat of the mayhem that marred a G8 summit in Genoa in July 2001 led Italy to bolster security massively until Bush leaves on Saturday. . . . Organizers estimated more than 100,000 took part in the march. . . . The protesters were kept away from Bush, whose motorcade of around 20 vehicles swept past lines of riot police. . . . Most Italians opposed last year's invasion of Iraq and many want Rome to withdraw its 2,700 troops stationed there, a move Berlusconi's government has rejected. . . . "I'm here to show my revulsion of our Fuehrer George Bush and his servant Berlusconi," said Giorgio Faleri, a 25-year-old student from Pisa who was carrying an Iraqi flag. . . . Pictures of the visit [with the pope] may help woo Catholic voters in Bush's November re-election bid.

posted by LoZo 11:54 AM