Chaldean Patriarchate concerned by protests, expressed deep sorrow for victims

The leaders of the Iraqi Church call on population to act "for the common good" and encourage dialogue to find "satisfactory solutions", realizing the "legitimate demands" of protesters. More victims and injured yesterday. The UN calls for a pause for reflection. The supreme Iranian leader against forces trying to divide Baghdad and Tehran.


Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Chaldean patriarchate expresses "great concern" in a note sent to AsiaNews and "deep sorrow" for the many victims in the anti-government demonstrations taking place in Iraq, which have so far caused over a hundred deaths, thousands of wounded and arrests.

The leaders of the local Church call on the local population to act "for the common good" and promote dialogue to achieve "satisfactory solutions" and realize the "legitimate demands" of those who take to the streets.

The Chaldean patriarchate insists on the importance of the principle of citizenship and on the fight against corruption, an element that "contradicts the values" underlying all religions and the reason for the "failures" of all reforms. There is also a need to redouble "reconstruction efforts" and of the "return of the displaced persons".

Our great hope, concludes the Iraqi Church, is that young people in the streets promote peaceful protests, avoiding being "instrumentalized or politicized". Finally, government officials are responsible for “presenting wise solutions” to solve “the complicated current situation”.

On the news front, protests and violence continued even yesterday with clashes between protesters and police in the eastern sector of the capital. At least eight victims registered yesterday, which bring the total - according to official government sources - to 104 dead and 6,107 wounded, of which over 1,200 belong to the security forces.

The violence also worries the United Nations. UN special envoy for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert issued a statement: "I invite all the parties to pause and reflect. Let the spirit of unity prevail throughout the country ".

The protesters yesterday called for an end to Tehran's influence in Iraqi politics. Today the Iranian supreme leader, the great ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded that the "enemies" who try to divide the two countries and "sow discord", will fail in their intent. "#Iran and #Iraq - he wrote - are two nations whose hearts and souls are closely linked".