Iraq PM Vows to Shield Christians

October 12, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7665830.stm

Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki has vowed to protect Christians in Mosul after 1,000 police were deployed in the wake of sectarian attacks in the northern city.

Mosul's provincial governor said hundreds of Christian families had fled the city in the past week to seek refuge in outlying villages.

Sunni militants have been blamed for the murders of 12 Christians over the past fortnight.

Pope Benedict XVI, speaking at the Vatican, condemned the bloodshed.

"I urge the perpetrators of violence to renounce these acts and join with their brothers and sisters to work together in building a civilization of love," the pontiff said.

'Church checkpoints'

After talks with Christian Iraqi officials, the Shia prime minister said in a statement: "We will take immediate action to resolve the problems and difficulties faced by Christians in Mosul."