Iraq's Progress Depends on Security, Says Nuncio

BAGHDAD, Iraq, JULY 22, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Christians in Iraq face the same problems that the rest of the population does — and those woes hinge on security, says the papal nuncio based in Baghdad.

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Recent attacks against alcoholic-drink stores, which in general belong to Christians, «must not be considered as acts of genuine religious intolerance, but rather as episodes of delinquency, the consequence above all of the lack of security,» said the nuncio, Archbishop Fernando Filoni.

«The most serious problems that must be resolved now are precisely those of security and lack of jobs,» the prelate said in statements published by the Italian episcopate’s SIR agency.

«Almost all families have had dead and wounded, and they face serious problems, such as the lack of water and electricity, which do not allow the normalization of the country,» he added.

To help Iraq «the Church has done and is doing a lot with a series of programs of assistance and solidarity,» the nuncio said. «But I repeat, what is most urgent is to re-establish security. … To be reborn, Iraq needs security.»

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