TEHRAN President Seyed Mohammad Khatami here Tuesday called on all men of thoughts and letters to view politics from the point of view of culture and spirituality so to bring freedom to human beings. The president made the remark in the inauguration ceremony of Tehran's 11th International Book Fair. He described the call as a new plan, reminding that the cultural outlook of life should not ignore concepts of freedom, human rights and the rights of human beings to determine their own destiny.

Efforts should be made that our politicians be wise and freedom loving people, he added. Addressing publishers and scholars from 41 participating countries, the president stressed that human beings should be invited to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect based on science, religion, spirituality and culture. He stated that a war among civilizations should give way to a dialogue whose main architects are men of thoughts and scholars.

Later, the President presented plaques of honor to exemplary publishers of the year 1376 (ended March 20). (IRNA)