WORLD> Middle East
Lebanese parliament speaker urges Arab, Muslim leaders to save Iraqi Christians
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-24 17:23

BEIRUT -- Lebanese Shiite Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri urged Muslim leaders and the Arab League (AL) to launch a serious initiative that would save the Christians in Iraq, local Daily Star reported Friday.

Berri called in a statement on Arab leaders and religious authorities to convene in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul to " raise the voice" and condemn the attacks on the Christians in Iraq.

He also appealed to the pan-Arab bloc to convene in Mosul, and launch a "quick serious initiative" to save the Christians of Iraq and preserve the country's ethnic and religious diversity.

"I also appeal to Christian leaders to work for world peace, and seek the implementation of humanitarian justice" in order to eliminate injustice that may facilitate terrorist attacks, the head of Lebanese legislature said.

Addressing Iraqi Christians, Berri said, "Your cause is our concern, and you will remain in the conscience of all Muslims and Arabs."

The attacks against Iraqi Christians in Mosul during the past two weeks has killed 13 Christians and displaced 15,000 others.

The refugees are facing winter without food and shelter, which aid workers called a "desperate situation."