ASIA/IRAQ - “The people who plan and execute these acts want to prevent Iraq from becoming free and democratic ” Father Nizar in Ninive tells Fides

Baghdad (Fides Service)-“We firmly condemn the attacks on the Shiite community in Baghdad and Karbala”, Father Nizar Semaan, in the Iraqi diocese of Ninive, told Fides with regard to the two attacks on Iraqi Shiite Muslims yesterday, March 2. “This is the work of people who live off crime and thirst for blood. They are surely not members of Iraqi society and they want to prevent the birth of a free democratic Iraq. These assassins committed the horrendous crime of killing people in prayer. As the Christianity community we wish to offer our sympathy to the families of those killed”.
“I think these latest attacks should strengthen unity among Iraqis, all deeply grieved by the events” the priest said. “Precisely yesterday Iraq’s new was presented and this is a positive sign. The only aim of these attacks is to unleash war and hatred among the Iraqi people but I think that the people realise this and they will not fall into the trap. So I am sure that this sad day will make us stronger than ever and more united because we love our country”.
On March 2 bomb blasts in Baghdad and in the Shiite holy city of stuck when the believers were celebrating the major feast of Ashura, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, nephew of Mohamed. In Baghdad there were three explosions near the main Shiite mosque, filled with people. About seventy were killed. At the same time in Karbala, a suicide bomber blew himself up near the Abbas mosque and Hussein’s burial place killing at least 112 people and wounding 240. About 2 million pilgrims from other countries and parts of Iraq had converged on Karbala for the feast. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2004 righe 28 parole 357)