Chaldean Patriarch Sako calls for admitting unique identity of Nineveh Plains in Iraq

MOSUL, Iraq — Painful events in Mosul, Iraq remain deeply embedded in minds.

On 10 June, 2014, the Islamic State (ISIS) declared an Islamic caliphate in Mosul and began enforcing Islamic law.

On 17 July, Christians were forced to choose between leaving the city, paying a jizya (tax), or facing execution and confiscation of their property.

Several clergymen were kidnapped and executed in Mosul and Baghdad.

85 churches and monasteries in Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra were bombed by extremists and then ISIS.

Due to the emigration of over one million Christians, their numbers were reduced.

Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Raphael Sako called on political governors to admit the unique identity of the traumatized people of the Nineveh Plains towns and respect their heritage.

Sako stressed the significant role of respected religious leaders who have a great impact in spreading common human and national values and preparing an enlightened generation.

Sako called for establishing a true, democratic, civil state to restores hope to citizens, regardless of their affiliation.