Cardinal Sako to the Iraqi Minister of Defense: Christians are not a Commodity for sale
Patriarchate Media Center
His Beatitude Patriarch Louis Raphael Cardinal Sako visited His Excellency the Iraqi Minister of Defense, Mr. Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi, on Sunday, the 12th of March 2023.
His Beatitude, congratulated His Excellency, Minister Al-Abbasi for having such an important role, which is a big responsibility at the same time.
Patriarch Sako, then presented the situation of Christians, especially in the towns of Nineveh Plain, from Qaraqosh to Alqosh, stressing the role of the central government in defending their rights, establishing rules of mutual respect and national partnership, and preventing abuses against them by any party, especially what contributes to the process of demographic change.
His Beatitude affirmed that Christians are not a commodity to be sold to this or that party, pointing to the seriousness of these behaviors that harm coexistence and national and societal unity.
His Beatitude added, Christians are loyal Iraqi citizens, and the government should properly care for and protect them in their areas, through government institutions such as the Ministries of Defense and the Interior. Christians are worried, struggling with future fears, which may lead the remaining Christians to consider emigration, seriously.
His Excellency, the Minister of Defense expressed solidarity and support for Christians and promised to protect them from any aggression or exclusion that impacts their stability in their own towns.
By the end of the meeting, the Patriarch gave the Minister a beautiful painting.
His Excellency, the Auxiliary Bishop Basilios Yaldo attended the meeting.