Shafaq News- Kirkuk
The visit of the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq and theworld, Mar Louis Raphael Sako Nona, to Kirkuk is an important event reflectingKirkuk’s status as a model of coexistence, the Chairman of the KirkukProvincial Council, Mohammed Ibrahim al-Hafidh, stated on Monday.
Al-Hafidh told Shafaq News that the province was honored toreceive the newly appointed head of the Chaldean Church, noting that “the visitcarries a clear message that Kirkuk remains a city of diversity where differentcommunities coexist within a framework of mutual respect.”
He praised the Chaldean Church's “historic central role” inpromoting values of love, peace, and tolerance, adding that this message isparticularly important amid Iraq’s current circumstances and the need tostrengthen social stability.
The Patriarch arrived in Kirkuk earlier in the day fromMosul as part of a broader visit to several Iraqi provinces.
During his stay, he said there is a significant differencebetween the current situation in liberated areas, including Mosul and othertowns, compared to the period of control by extremist groups.
He also noted that the church delegation observed clearimprovements in infrastructure and services, alongside ongoing reconstructionefforts aimed at gradually restoring normal life.
“The main challenge is not limited to infrastructure, butalso lies in rebuilding society on sound foundations based on respect for humandignity and strengthening coexistence among Iraq’s religious and ethniccommunities,” the Patriarch stressed.
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Separately, Iraqi Turkmen Front leader and MP Arshadal-Salihi linked the visit to the broader issue of minority rights, sayingIraq’s diversity must be a source of strength rather than division.
Al-Salihi said Iraq’s components still need clearerlegislation to protect their religious and ethnic rights, calling for theadoption of laws on minority protection and anti-discrimination during thecurrent parliamentary term.
He emphasized the need to ensure accountability for anyparty engaging in discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or affiliation,and stressed that equality before the law must be a fundamental principle ofstate governance.
Al-Salihi also warned against narratives of political ornumerical superiority, calling instead for a national discourse based ongenuine partnership among all components.
“The presence of a Chaldean Patriarch from Iraq representsan additional strength, particularly in presenting Iraq’s image internationallyand enhancing its cultural and humanitarian standing.”
The Patriarch’s visit to Kirkuk on Sunday included messagesfocusing on religious, social, and political dimensions, while also pointing toremaining ambiguities in the political representation of Iraq’s Christiancommunity.
