TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has vowed to protect the rights of those with religious and non-religious beliefs.
In
a statement to mark World Peace Day, Mr Cowen said he agreed with the
Pope's declaration that the right to religious freedom was rooted in the
very dignity of the human person.
"It is the duty of governments to
ensure all are afforded the right and freedom to profess and practise
their religion of choice, without obstruction or harassment."
Mr
Cowen continued by saying that governments had to also respect and fully
protect the rights of those who professed no religion.
He paid
tribute to the special contribution of those who served as peacekeepers
in missions carried out under the auspices of the United Nations.
"Ireland
is proud of its soldiers and gardai who are continuing the long
tradition of professional service around the world to secure peace and
stability as an expression of our commitment to the cause of world
peace," he said.
But Mr Cowen also warned about the nuclear threat .
"The
precarious nature of the peace on the Korean peninsula, with the
attendant nuclear threat from the Democratic Republic of North Korea,
has been highlighted in recent weeks, while other states have also
failed to co-operate in ensuring compliance with the international
non-proliferation regime," he said.
SIC: II/IE