German University Rejects Zionist Calls To Halt Iran Co-op Program

Berlin, Aug 26, IRNA -- The University of Potsdam, located near Berlin, dismissed calls by Germany's influential Zionist lobby to end its academic exchange program with the Qom-based University of Religions and Denominations, the daily Tagesspiegel reported here Saturday. The cooperation with Qom will continue, a Potsdam University spokesperson was quoted saying amid ongoing Zionist pressure on the issue. We have witnessed a general interest by Qom in the sphere of religious studies, coupled with the wish to understand other religions, the spokesman added. Meanwhile, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which coordinates academic exchange programs between German and foreign universities, has expressed strong support for the university cooperation between Potsdam and Qom. DAAD President Margret Wintermantel made clear this cooperation would continue as long as it is based on serious scientific grounds. She added her organization would continue to promote university exchange programs between Iran and Germany which have a long tradition dating back to several decades./end