Iraqi government would take whatever measures necessary to provide protection for Iraq’s Christians, according to Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Sunday.
“The Iraqi government does not pursue any policies of discrimination or persecution against Christians, who are Iraqi citizens,” Zebari said during a joint a press conference with his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini on Sunday, broadcast live by the semi-official al-Iraqiya TV.
The Iraqi top diplomat said that his country neither encourages nor supports Christians’ migration outside.
He noted that Iraq seeks to broaden and activate its relations with Italy at all levels, adding he discussed with Frattini means to build Iraqi capabilities and Italy’s role in offering training courses for graduates of Iraqi colleges and institutes.
“The focal point of the talks with Foreign Minister Frattini was a joint ministerial committee to be convened in Baghdad early next year,” Zebari said.