Italian parliament member issues first positive reaction to Ankara's invitation to Pope

The invitation to visit Turkey in 2006 issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry to Pope Benedict XVI has received its first positive reaction in a written statement from Giovanna Melandri, head of the Foreign Ministry Commission in the Italian Parliament. In her statement, Melandri said "We see once again through this invitation how much importance Turkey places on the relations between religions and cultures. Turkey has taken on a critical responsibility in trying to create a dialogue between Christianity and Islam. Support must be given to Turkey, which takes sure steps towards the EU every passing day. Now our desire is to see the start of the October 3 EU accession talks which Turkey so deserves." Â