TEHRAN The bests of the International Cartoon Competition with the theme of dialogue among civilizations were awarded prizes by President Seyed Mohammad Khatami on Sunday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition, President Khatami stressed that the most important prerequisite to dialogue among civilizations is freedom.

President Khatami underlined that, sometimes, only art should be employed to convey concepts. He added that the art of drawing cartoons and caricatures is one of the most outstanding manifestations of art, and like satire, this art is also awakening.

He stressed that holding the cartoon competition at the beginning of the Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations indicates that this dialogue is a serious matter and in conformity with human nature.

"Dialogue is to use common sense which can materialize under the auspices of freedom only," Khatami said.