Untitled - orsam

eached on solving all the problems; thus, the only problem that remains is agreeing on
the names of the ministers. But there is an important point related to national
reconciliation. If this process falters and if the Saudi brothers invite us to a meeting to
solve this problem, I personally endorse it and support it. As for the other sides, they
have to decide. I consider it a good initiative in the interest of the Iraqi people.
[Asharq Al Awsat] As president of the republic, you have responsibilities toward all the
components of the Iraqi people. One of these components, I mean Iraq's Christians, is
being subjected to an organized terrorist campaign. What else do you want to do
regarding this apart from issuing condemnation statements?
[Talabani] First of all, I wish to say that I strongly condemned the criminal assaults on the
brother Christians who are pure Iraqis that have lived in this country since the advent of
Christ. Under no circumstances should they be marginalized or evicted from the country.
The solution lies in providing them protection through government forces or through
forces of their own to help them form armed units to protect their homes and places of
worship.
[Asharq Al Awsat] Do I understand that this is a call to form militias?
[Talabani] No, not at all; in Kirkuk, units were formed to protect the churches and places
of worship. Secondly, the government should provide special protection to the churches.
Thirdly, the Christians can go to Kurdistan.
[Asharq Al Awsat] This would mean forced internal relocation.
[Talabani] No, not at all; it means moving to Kurdistan as they wait for the return of
security and stability so they can return to their homes instead of going abroad. I wish to
say that many Christians are originally from Kurdistan. They would be like returning to
their original homes. They will be in their homeland and the government of Kurdistan
and the central government will care about them and they would not be in need. Their
departure abroad empties Iraq of its citizens, particularly since the brother Christians
Sayfa 20