NEWS & VIEWS
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    BAGHDAD, (ZENIT).- The Vatican delegation headed by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano left Baghdad to return to Rome, after completing a 4-day visit to Iraq to prepare John Paul II's possible trip to that country.

    Although the pontifical representatives were able to meet with Iraqi officials, for the time being it has not been possible to find out if a date has been established. A few days ago, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bidawid, said the papal trip could take place between January 16-20, but the Vatican has not confirmed these dates.

    Vice-Premier Tareq Aziz declined to talk about his meetings with Archbishop Vigano. He limited himself to saying that discussions continue about the proposed papal visit.

    "The delegation has returned to Rome today, and should return to Baghdad soon to take up negotiations with the Iraqi side," Aziz stated. Aziz stressed that neither the Vatican delegation nor Iraqi authorities will comment officially on the meetings held over the last four days.

    As expressed in a letter last June, John Paul II would like to visit Ur of the Chaldeans, which is 400 kilometers south of Baghdad, considered the birthplace of Abraham, Father of the three monotheist religions -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam. ZE99112408

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