Mintimer Shaimiev about Kazan Mother of God icon

President of Tatarstan M.Shaimiev hopes that the Kazan Mother of God icon kept in Vatican will be returned to Kazan before the celebration of the 1000-anniversary of Kazan.

In his interview with Interfax he emphasized that such a gesture on the part of the Pope would please all Orthodox believers of the country, especially those who live in Tatarstan.

The President also said that he discussed this theme with Patriarch of All Russia Aleksy II. "If this is the good will of John Paul II, the return of such an icon, one of the most significant cultural, historical and spiritual treasures of Russia will become a great event for all Orthodox Russians", thinks M.Shaimiev.

Moreover, he added that this would be a sign of reconciliation and removal of many contradictions between the Catholic and Orthodox churches and would result in their rapprochement.

The Tatarstan leader said he is aware about the position of Aleksy II who would also like the transfer of the icon to be an act of goodwill. "And it is very important that the patriarch does not object against the return of the icon to Kazan", emphasized M.Shaimiev.

Commenting upon the western and European media statements that the Pope would like to bring the icon to Russia himself, M.Shaimiev noted that if such a desire is expressed on the part of Vatican this question could be fully considered together with the Patriarchy.