Washington Adamant On War
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said last week that the Pope was entitled to his opinion on Iraq, but that Bush would make his decision "based on what he thinks is right to protect the American people" and not Vatican pronouncements.
Jim Nicholson, U.S. envoy to the Holy See, on Tuesday confirmed that the Pope's appeal would not influence American thinking. "Cardinal Laghi's mission may be useful, but Iraq must disarm," he said on the private Italian television channel La 7. "If (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein were to leave his country, that would be a perfect solution," Nicholson added.
On leaving Rome Monday, March 3, Laghi said he hoped to meet with Bush on Wednesday.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said last week that the Pope was entitled to his opinion on Iraq, but that Bush would make his decision "based on what he thinks is right to protect the American people" and not Vatican pronouncements.
Jim Nicholson, U.S. envoy to the Holy See, on Tuesday confirmed that the Pope's appeal would not influence American thinking. "Cardinal Laghi's mission may be useful, but Iraq must disarm," he said on the private Italian television channel La 7. "If (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein were to leave his country, that would be a perfect solution," Nicholson added.
On leaving Rome Monday, March 3, Laghi said he hoped to meet with Bush on Wednesday.