Invited by the Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, a meeting was held on Sunday, 30th October 2016 at the Chaldean Patriarchate headquarters in the town of Ankawa / Erbil. The attendees were:
1. His Holiness Patriarch Mar GeorgisIII Saliwa Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East
2. Mar Youhanna Peter Mushi, Bishop of Mosul for Syrian Catholics
3. Mar Necodems David's Sharaf, Bishop of Mosul Syrian Orthodox
4. Mar Bashar Matti Warda, the Chaldean Archbishop of Arbil
5. Mar Basilious Yaldo the Chaldean Patriarchate Auxiliary Bishop
6. Mons.Timathaous Qas Isha from the Ancient Church of the East.
Christians are an original component of Iraq. Their churches and monasteries have continued their presence in many Iraqi towns, some of them faded in others, but they were and still are pioneers of moderation and openness to welcome regardless of differences.
Christians have lived in Mosul and the towns of the Nineveh Plain for many centuries in an atmosphere of stable pluralism and cooperation with their neighbors despite some episode of violence and persecution.
The atrocities that have been committed against them by Daesh and other terrorists, by way of displacement and seizing their homes and properties, has harmed and wounded them. These acts constitute crimes against humanity.
1. We stand by the demands of our suffering and anxious people about their future. Frankly, we will endeavor with all our influence to make the Christian component equal on the same level as other Iraqis, regardless of the number. Article 2 of the Iraqi Constitution "guarantees full religious rights for all individuals and the freedom of religious practice".
This should not remain only words!
We expect to safeguard our rights and freedoms, and guarantee our protection with deeds, not speeches, so that we remain in our land and contribute to the revival of our country since we have the skills, potential, and competence to do so whether within the central area or the Kurdish region.
2. The displaced Christians from Mosul and the towns of the Nineveh Plain want to return to their homes on condition of safety and compensation for what they have lost and the reconstruction of what was destroyed by Daesh.
They seek a peaceful continuation with their neighbors and to live together with respect, goodwill and cooperation as equal citizens. The priorities of the Iraqi State and the Government of Kurdistan should be to ensure these guarantees.
3. Regarding the administration of the Plain, Christians are looking for an acceptable formula in accordance with the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution.
We as pastors feel that it is better to leave this issue to the post-liberation and the return of displaced people and their resettlement, after leaving the mines, the restoration of their houses and infrastructure. This will be discussed through a peaceful and serene dialogue with the interested parties.
On this occasion, we salute our heroic fighters in the Iraqi armed forces, the Peshmerga, and the Popular Mobilization and National Units and our Christian guards who have come from all over Iraq. We express our gratitude and support to them.
May Our Lord protect them to release all Iraqi territories.
The participants have agreed to hold a meeting of the Christian deputies in Iraqi parliament and Kurdish regional government and the heads of parties.
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