Patriarchate Media, 18 May 2019
His Beatitude (H.B.) Patriarch Cardinal, Louis Raphael Sako, welcomed at the headquarters of the Chaldean Patriarchate at Al-Mansour district in Baghdad, the Chargé d’ Affaires (CDA) of the United States of America in Iraq, Mr. Joey Hood and his delegation.
Regarding
the current situation, H.B. indicated that the region does not tolerate
another war, since it will be a disaster for everyone. It is urgent to
focus our effort towards calming down both sides and urge them to adopt a
civilized dialogue, to avoid military solutions.
The
Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy emphasized the importance of what
H.B. suggested, especially that the United States is aware of the impact
of “fueling” this conflict. In addition, Mr. Hood confirmed his
personal follow up on the reconstruction process, of the houses destroyed by ISIS at the Nineveh Plain area.
On
the other hand the CDA reiterated US Government commitment to helping
Christians and other components of Iraqi society recover from genocide
and return home. Also, noted US Government commitment to abiding by the
Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), including the prohibition on using
Iraqi territory to attack any other country.
In
return, H.B. appreciated the field visit of Mr. Hood to some of the
towns of Nineveh Plain and highlighted the necessity of this follow up
to encourage the return of IDPs.
At
the end of the meeting, both sides “pinpointed” the importance of
supporting the Official Iraqi Army and the National Police to strengthen
their role in enforcing law, stopping corruption, maintaining the
“prestige” of the country and protecting it.
The
meeting was attended by His Excellency, the Auxiliary Bishop Robert
Saeed Jarjis, the Secretary Fr. Noel Farman and Dr. Ekhlass Macdassy,
the General Secretary of the Chaldean Patriarchate.