Baghdad - Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said on
Thursday that his country is concerned about violence against Iraq's
minorities, especially Christians, during a surprise visit to Iraq.
Iraqi Christians in the northern Mosul city have been subjected to
killings and death threats since September, and many thousands have
fled the city.
Around 400 Christians fled to Syria in October alone to escape the
harsh conditions at home.
The Vatican said in October the Iraqi government needed to do more
to protect Christians in Mosul.
Frattini said Iraq's government had taken positive steps to
protect Christians.
'Iraq's government does not show bias or discriminate against
minorities,' he said in a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart
Hoshyar Zebari.
'The government does not stop Christians from living peacefully
and integrating in the governments' institutions,' he added.
Frattini, who arrived in Iraq on an unannounced visit, said Italy
was committed to the rebuilding of Iraq. Some Iraqi army and police
personnel receive training in Italy, he said.
Italy would also help revive Iraq's cultural heritage starting
with the renovation of Iraq's national museum and other museums,
Frattini said.
Separately, Zebari said he saw hope for the passing of a security
pact with the US government which would decide the withdrawal date
for US troops in Iraq.
The agreement needs parliamentary approval before it can be signed
into law by the US and Iraqi presidents.
'Do not wonder if there are some supporting and opposing votes in
the parliament. The chances for the agreement to pass are there,'
Zebari said.
The coming days were critical, and Iraqi lawmakers should be
decisive, Zebari said.
The Iraqi minister attended Wednesday's parliamentary session,
which was disrupted and adjourned for one day after clashes between
lawmakers.
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