ASIA/IRAQ - “No to the culture of relativism: terrorism is to be condemned it cannot be justified”

Baghdad (Fides Service)- “Once again we mourn the death of innocent men and women killed by terrorists: these acts are criminal and nothing can justify them” Fr p. Nizar Semaan, Iraqi Catholic priest in Mosul northern Iraq told Fides. “Certainly these people who kill themselves to kill others think they are right, but this does not justify their actions” Fr Nizar said.
“We cannot make subtle distinctions as some people do with regard to Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan. These are only excuses. I am convinced that the extremists would plant bombs even if these situations did not exist. And whatever the case these situations must be settled, it is a question of justice which has nothing to do with terrorism” the priest told Fides.
“Violence must be condemned as such. I will never tire of saying that the Islamic world must once and for all condemn terrorism carried out in its name” Fr Nizar said. “At the same time we must not indentify the Arab and Muslim world with terrorism and we must encoruage those who work to promote the universal values of respect for human rights and social harmony. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/7/2005 righe 21 parole 233)