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Khalifa, Maktoum mourn Pope's death

ABU DHABI — The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday sent a cable of condolences to the Vatican on the death of Pope John Paul, who died last night.

"We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Pope John Paul and, on behalf of the government and people of the United Arab Emirates, we extend our condolences to members of the Roman Catholic Communion throughout the world," Shaikh Khalifa said.

"In his dedicated efforts to promote the spirit of justice, peace and love among mankind, he was the anti-thesis of those who advocated a closed and dogmatic interpretation of the universal message of Almighty God," he added.

"We have much valued his contribution to a greater understanding between our two faiths of Islam and Christianity. His contribution over more than a quarter of a century to the search for mutual respect and tolerance is an example to us all," he said.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has also sent a similar cable to the Vatican on the death of Pope John Paul.