Amir Sitto Speech
Member of the Chaldean Catholic Church of Arizona.
 

Thank you for coming to this rally to express our solidarity with the Christians of Iraq.

Before I introduce today's speakers, I ask you to bow your heads and pray in silence to honor the memory of our military service men and women who have lost their lives in Iraq. We also pray in memory of father Ragheed, a Chaldean catholic priest, and three sub deacons who were also killed in Iraq.

On behalf of Mar Abraham Chaldean Catholic Church, father Poulos Ghozaran, and the Chaldean community of Arizona, I'd like to thank the Phoenix police department and all of the people that are working with them to make this event possible, also I would like to thank the priests and people of other churches and today's speakers in support of our just cause.

(Amir Sitto read a statement issued by the Vatican, regarding father Ragheed, who was killed in Iraq)

(Introduction of speakers) : Mr. Andrew Thomas (Maricopa County attorney), Fr. Ghattas Khoury (St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church), Fr. Peter Boutros (St. John of the Desert Melkite Catholic Church), Fr. Poulus Ghozairan (Mar Abraham Chaldean Catholic Church), Amir Sitto of the Chaldean community of Arizona.

(Amir Sitto's Speech)
Ladies and gentlemen, we stand here today to show our support for Iraqi Christians and to bring attention to the persecution, oppression, and inhumane treatment of them.

All the people of Iraq are suffering tremendously, but the Christians are Deliberately targeted because of their faith, and are under increasing attacks.

There is an organized and systematic campaign where atrocities and cleansing of Christians are taking place.

Christians in Iraq are facing the threat of eradication from their historic homeland.

"    15 Churches have been bombed and burned.

"    8 Priests have been kidnapped and 3 priests have been killed, and many of the faithful have been kidnapped, tortured, and killed.

"    Additional unbearable taxes are being imposed on them.

"    And they are being forced to change their religion and to leave their homes and homeland - leaving behind everything they own.
(Pause)
The civilized world can no longer ignore or stand idle while this is happening to the Christians of Iraq.

Half of Iraq's Christians have fled as a result of these inexcusable actions. These acts of atrocities are continuing at the hands of both government and non government actors.

Much of the world has been silent regarding this uncivilized treatment of Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq.

By ignoring this issue, the world knowingly or unknowingly is contributing to extinction of the Christian presence and Christianity in Iraq.

We appeal to the government of Iraq, and to all of the many decent religious leaders and clerics to speak publicly and courageously to condemn these acts of violence.

These acts are committed by the forces of evil and darkness.

They are committed not only against Christians but against Muslims and other innocent people.

For decades, Iraqi Christians have lived side-by-side in peace and harmony with their Muslim brothers, and all other fabric of Iraqi society.

The Christians of Iraq are descendents of a great civilization, and are native to this land. They lived in this land for thousands of years. The historic reality is that they are very loyal and have served and sacrificed for their country.

We are asking the United States government, the United Nations, and all humanitarian organizations to help and save them.

Since it seems that the Iraqi government cannot or will not interfere to help their Christian citizens, and since the Christians don't have an army or militia to protect themselves, we ask the United States government:


First:
To protect the Christians, by settling them in a safe haven and a security zone, and administrative area in northern Iraq, in the area where there are tens of Christian villages, and where their constitutional rights can be protected, until the time comes when it is safe for them to return to their homes throughout Iraq.

Second:
We ask the United States government and congress to pass legislation and facilitate to end the suffering and misery of the Christians that have been waiting for many years outside Iraq as refugees. We also ask for help in reuniting them with their families and relatives here in the United States.


We hope and pray that the dark and black clouds over Iraq shall pass quickly, and that peace and tranquility shall hover and reign on all of the people of Iraq so that our brave American military service men and women, who are giving their lives for us, can come home to their families safe and sound, and so that their sacrifice shall not be in vain, we salute them.

May God bless our great country the U.S.A, and may God bless you all.

Thank you.