BAGHDAD, Iraq, MAY 4, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Iraqi bishops sent an urgent plea to the international conference being held in Sharm al-Sheikh, whose participants aim to approve a plan for the security of that war-torn nation.
The Chaldean bishops from the northern regions appealed especially for the protection of Iraqi lives, among them, those of the nation's Christian minority.
AsiaNews reported the message, which said: "We are urgently asking the entire international community, the participants at the Sharm al-Sheikh conference, the coalition forces and the Iraqi political representatives to intervene without delay to protect innocent Iraqis, their property, their rights and their personal freedom."
The bishops affirm that "Christians are authentic Iraqi people" and plea for protection.
"Christians," they said, "have always sought to integrate themselves with their Arab, Kurd, Turk, Shiite, Sunni, Yezidi brothers, within the nation's social life and have always had a most important role in the building of national historic values, decisively contributing to the destiny of Iraq through their peaceful way of life."
"Enough with violence, threats, attacks and killings!" the statement urged. "Let us work together hand in hand to bring about unity, security and prosperity in our land, Iraq."
Code: ZE07050405
Date: 2007-05-04