Rome (AsiaNews) – "These attacks are acts against humanity and all human and religious principles. We as Christians want an Iraq that is at peace and living in brotherhood. But these terrorists want nothing at all. Still, terrorist fundamentalism will not stop the birth of a new Iraq." It is with these words that Msgr. Rabban al Qas, Bishop of Amadiya (northern Iraq), spoke to AsiaNews about the 5 attacks against Christian places of worship in Iraq that yesterday caused the death of 11 people and dozens of wounded.

The Chaldean bishop appeals for aid from Europe, not from European governments which are trying their utmost to erase the Christian identity of their respective countries, but from Christians and the Churches of Europe. "You must help Iraqi Christians so that they can remain in Iraq for the good of their country," he said.

Like Msgr. Rabban, ayatollah al-Sistani, spiritual leader to Iraqi Shiites, condemned the attacks against churches for they "strike at the unity, the stability, and the independence of Iraq."

"'We condemn and reproach these hideous crimes," al-Sistani added, "and deem necessary the collaboration of everyone –the government and the people– in putting an end to aggression on Iraqis."

The Najaf-based ayatollah called attention to the fact that Iraqi Christians have the right to live in Iraq as full citizens saying: "We assert the importance of respecting the rights of Christian civilians and other religious minorities and reaffirm their right to live in their home country Iraq in security and peace."'

AsiaNews and Bishop Rabban analysed yesterday's attacks and the reactions to them.

Your Eminence, the Iraqi government has pointed the finger at al-Al Zarkawi, al-Qaeda's chief in Iraq, as the one responsible for yesterday's attacks. What is your opinion?

Iraqis would not have done such a thing. They are in favour of the coexistence of people of different cultures, religions, and languages. Christians and Muslims work side by side in the same workplaces without any discrimination or hatred. For this reason I am certain that these attacks are the acts of Islamic fundamentalism brought into Iraq to destroy this coexistence. I repeat: these attacks are not the work of Iraqis. It is clear that al-Qaeda is behind them.

How did Iraqi Muslims react to these anti-Christian attacks?

As soon as the news of the attacks became public an Iraqi army general who is a Muslim and a friend phoned me. He said; I quote: "We are all with you. We are all working together for the new Iraq." He told me that Iraqis, Muslims included, were appalled by the attacks and expressed their sympathy and solidarity towards Christians. These attacks did not strike military targets but defenceless civilians whose only fault was to be leaving places of worship. It really upset Iraqis. Many Muslims helped the wounded in the Church attacks and took away the dead. On television, they expressed their solidarity towards Christians.

Could this wave of anti-Christian violence push Christians out of the country?

First of all, it must be made clear that even under Saddam Hussein Islamic fundamentalism was pushing Christians to emigrate. In my diocese alone, 15,000 Christians have left in the last few years. But as Christians we must hang in and have the courage to stay in Iraq for democracy and the future of the country. For this to happen, we need the help of the Christians and the Churches of Europe because it is our duty to stay in Iraq and rebuild it.