Assyrian Democratic Organization ADO
The United States on Friday, the New Year’s eve condemned the latest violence against Christians and asked Baghdad to increase efforts to give better coverage to Christians.
Iraq’s interior ministry said in a statement 15 bombs were placed around homes in Christian areas of Baghdad. Eleven of the bombs exploded, according to reports.
“We call on the Government of Iraq to redouble its efforts to protect Christians and apprehend the terrorists who are behind these acts,” said Mark C. Toner, Acting State Department Spokesman, adding, “We condemn the violence against Christians carried out overnight by terrorists in Iraq.”
Iraqi reports noted that a couple that was killed had found a bag at their gate which blew up when they opened it.
“President Talabani, Prime Minister Maliki, and virtually every political bloc and major religious leader in Iraq have denounced attacks on Christians and stressed the centrality of Christians in the fabric of Iraqi society,” Toner said in a statement.
“We commend the Government of Iraq for increasing its security measures to protect Christian communities since the October 31 suicide bombing attack at Our Lady of Salvation Church,” urged Toner in his statement.
Earlier, the president of the European Parliament, the legislature of 27 member state European Union, Jerzy Buzek called upon the Iraqi government to make sure Christians in Iraq enjoy the same protection and status as Shiites and Sunnis.
"The European Parliament is very concerned about these developments and is a strong defender of human rights, including freedom of religion" President Buzek said in a statement.
"We monitor the situation closely and have adopted a number of resolutions to try to draw international attention to the plight of Christian minorities," Buzek added.
Source: AHN
Reporter: Tejinder Singh
