Ahmadinejad felicitates Christian on New Year

President Ahmadinejad sent separate messages to heads of Christian countries to felicitate them on the New Year.

President Ahmadinejad also congratulated the Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of the Christian New Year.

In a message, President Ahmadinejad felicitated the Pope on the auspicious birthday anniversary of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and the start of the New Year.

He expressed hope that in the year 2011, human society would return to the underlying tenets of divine teachings such as freedom-seeking and justice-seeking, and redouble efforts to establish rapport among all human beings, including followers of Abrahamic religions.

In doing so, people across the world can act to develop solidarity, defend what is right, support the oppressed and fight oppressors, the message read.

The Iranian chief executive also wished the Pope a year full of happiness and prosperity.