TEHRAN President Mohammad Khatami in a message here on Thursday congratulated the world, specially the Iranian Christians, on Christmas and the Christian new year. The president's message addresses all treading the path to truth, justice, freedom, peace, love and friendship, and specially the Iranian Christians. Referring to Jesus Christ (AS) as the harbinger of blessings and affections, and advocate of dignity of human beings, Khatami said that today's world which is filled with tensions and violence, more than ever is in need of understanding the spirit of thoughts of Jesus Christ. In the world void of spirituality, the frustrated and oppressed human beings vulnerable to violence, wars, injustices and inequalities more than ever seek to grasp the identity and meaning of divine messages.

Under such circumstances, realization of the teachings of Jesus Christ (AS) depends on expansion of justice and division of happiness amongst all, the president's message read. In conclusion, Khatami invited the true followers of the divine religions to reacquaint themselves with the religious teachings with emphasis on compassions for fellow human beings, respecting others, dialog with the opposition, tolerance and detente towards others.

I hope the year 1999 which is a link between the two millenniums, to be a year filled with blessings, peace, cordiality and love amongst man, the promoter of dialog amongst civilizations said in his message. (IRNA)