Pope condemns killing of Algerian diplomats in Iraq

Published: 2005-07-29

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI condemned the killing of two Algerian diplomats in Iraq, saying that such violence eliminated the killers as legitimate participants in planning the country's future. Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility July 27 for the deaths of the Algerian envoys, Ali Belaroussi and Azzedine Belkadi, kidnapped July 21. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, sent a telegram conveying the pope's condolences to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Pope Benedict offered his condolences to the diplomats' families, to the Algerian government and to others "touched by this drama which affects the international community as well," the telegram said.

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