Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) -“The news that Saddam Hussein had been captured was welcomed with great joy by the people of Iraq despite uncertainty about the future because we know that behind the repeated acts of terrorism in Iraq there are other groups not connected with the former dictator, ” Father Nizar Semaan in Nineve diocese told Fides Service. “The arrest of Saddam Hussein” Father Nizar said “is the end of a chapter in the history of Iraq a chapter of crimes against humanity, injustice, poverty, sanctions, emigration of youth in desperate search of a better future”.
“Now we can turn the page. With the help of the international community we must now build a new Iraq of peace, justice and harmony” the priest told Fides. “To do this we must rid ourselves of the shadows of the past, the people want to know what really happened in 30 years of dictatorship. They want, not revenge but truth and justice. This is why the trial must be open, no secrecy and the acts open for public viewing.”
“I also think that the court which judges Saddam Hussein should be formed not only of Iraqis” Father Nizar added courageously. “Most of us were victims of his dictatorship, we all applauded him when he was in power. We are too involved to be able to pass objective judgement. It would be better to have an international Court which includes Iraqis among the judges”.
With regard to the future of Iraq Father Nizar adds: “the priority is to guarantee security throughout the country. Unfortunately Saddam’s arrest will not automatically end violence and terrorism because there are many others operating in our territory, including foreign groups. But I am convinced that with the help of the international community the Iraqi people will find their way out of this situation on the condition that there no discrimination towards the many different tribes and communities in the country”. (L.M.) (Fides Service 15/12/2003 lines 30, word 351)
