Germany may act alone to rescue Iraqi Christians, Merkel aide says

Middle East News

Jun 3, 2008, 12:16 GMT

Berlin - Germany may act alone to rescue Iraqi Christians if fellow European Union nations continue to refuse a joint welcome to the refugees, according to Chancellor Angela Merkel's top adviser on immigration Tuesday. Maria Boehmer said in Berlin that members of the ancient Christian minority were regularly being threatened by Islamist gangs, who were giving households a choice of converting to Islam or leaving the country within 24 hours. 'In view of the serious human rights crisis in the region, rapid action is needed,' she said in Berlin. 'The plight of the non-Muslim minorities which have fled to Jordan and Syria to get away from persecution is getting worse.' She called for Germany to receive refugees alone if an EU welcome were not quickly issued. Critics in the EU have argued that help for the Christians would discriminate against any Muslims who leave Iraq. Boehmer, who is government commissioner on migration policy, rejected that. 'We have to start off by helping those whose plight is worst,' she said. Currently, the worst-off were the religious minorities, unaccompanied women and children among the refugees, who had no option of returning to Iraq, but also no way as refugees to earn a living. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that fewer than 25 per cent of the refugee children can attend school, and that young women are under huge pressure to enter prostitution. Iraq's Christian communities date back to the time before Islam.

Talkback

Add your comment (no registration required)

page: 1

NoharnessJun 3rd, 2008 - 12:20:17

See, we're not at war with Islam. Islam is a peaceful religion that respects the rights of Non-Muslims!

Quoting the article:'Islamist gangs, who were giving households a choice of converting to Islam or leaving the country within 24 hours.'

We shouldn't be worried about Islam at all, should we?

Report this comment

NoharmnessJun 4th, 2008 - 08:27:48

They could settle into the Muslim neighborhoods of the European countries where they can learn to live in peace and harmony with one another.

Report this comment

Geoff RaynerJun 4th, 2008 - 23:09:47

Sorry Germany you are part of Eurabia now you will need to toe the line. Infidels have no rights unless they pay the tax. It's ok sit back relax everything is being organised and funded by Saudi Arabia for your convenience. Why even the EU is so forward thinking it doesn't need a democracy to function. My you lot a trusting. What! Vote us in who do think you are?

Report this comment

page: 1

Add your comment (no registration required)

Middle East

Germany may act alone to rescue Iraqi Christians, Merkel aide says

Middle East News

Talkback

Latest Headlines in Middle East

Latest Articles on The Tech Herald

In Monsters and Critics

Corporate

The Fine Print