Chaldean patriarch says nations should not turn away fleeing Iraqis

Published: 2005-10-17

ROME (CNS) -- Iraqis fleeing violence and terrorism in their country should not be turned away by other nations and sent back to face an unfolding tragedy, said the leader of Iraq's Chaldean Catholics. "I pray that Western governments, including the United States, take pity on these Iraqis and at least offer them a stay permit for those who are already there and, if possible, a visa" for those wishing to arrive legally, said Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel-Karim Delly of Baghdad, Iraq. He told Catholic News Service Oct. 17 that it was extremely difficult for Iraqis wishing to leave the country to obtain visas. Many travel to Syria or Jordan with the hope of eventually joining relatives in the United States, Australia or Europe. But "the way out is blocked," he said, "with thousands of lies." Patriarch Delly, who was in Rome for the Oct 2-23 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, said officials at foreign embassies in charge of issuing visas tell applicants "that the war is over, that Saddam (Hussein), the dictator, is finished, now Iraq has a democracy." He asked, "What democracy, when I can't leave my home and I'm afraid to leave my house," because of the daily violence and bloodshed?

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