Muslim scholars in talks with Vatican

VATICAN CITY, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Leading Muslim scholars are at the Vatican for talks aimed at improving relations between the Islamic and Christian faiths.

The meetings are being led by the Grand Mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mustafa Ceric, and the head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, ANSA reported.

About 60 delegates fo the two faiths are participating.

The meetings were to focus on religious freedom for both faiths and how economics, culture and politics influence tensions between the faiths, the Italian news agency said.

On Thursday, delegates of the two faiths are to discuss their ideas with Pope Benedict XVI and then issue a joint statement, ANSA said.

The meeting at the Vatican comes two weeks after similar talks in Britain with Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.