ASIA/IRAQ - “I disagree with a sort of pacifism which I would call “ideological” which thinks in theory but not in reality” says Iraqi priest

Baghdad (Fides Service)- “I am not in favour of war but as a citizen of Iraq I wish the foreign troops to stay in our country” Father Nizar Semaan, a Catholic priest in the northern Iraqi town of Mosul told Fides. “I disagree with a sort of pacifism which I would call “ideological” which thinks in theory but not in reality”.
“I respect the position of pacifists”- Father Nizar said- “but they appear to put forward their ideals without investigating the actual situation in Iraq. For now we need foreign troops otherwise we will plunge into chaos. Of course I am not happy to have foreign armies in the country but I think it is worth bearing a minor evil to prevent a major one”.
“Peace is a universal value which must be defended, and the means to do this must be chosen according to the situation. I was not in favour of the war in Iraq, but now that the regime has fallen the western powers cannot abandon Iraq” Father Nizar told Fides.
With regard to discussion with regard to the release of the Italian hostages Father Nizar said: “I see in that Italian media that the question of Iraq has triggered a national political discussion which often loses sight of the overall scenario in the Middle East. I will not take up the matter but I would say that the question of hostages is a matter of individual persons and it cannot be exploited for political purposes. The important thing is that three lives were saved”. (Agenzia Fides 11/6/2004 righe 23 parole 281)