Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDirector of Communications: Christina Zola, 202-429-9210, ext. 21 or 202-494-9859

Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

WASHINGTON - March 3, 2008 - The Arab American Institute is outraged by the kidnapping of Paulos Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mosul, and the killing of three men in his party. This despicable act against a peaceful leader of a vulnerable minority community violates every moral code.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the murdered men and the Chaldean community. We have every confidence that Archbishop Paulos will shame his captors with his moral bearing, and can only hope that his abductors will see that justice demands his immediate and unconditional release.

Sadly, this incident is evidence of a grave situation faced by most Iraqis since the U.S.-led invasion. The suffering of the entire Iraqi people is widespread, defining daily life in most areas of the country. This is due to the lack of a plan to secure the peace. While all Iraqis live in fear, the circumstances facing minority populations is worse. With no political factions or large private militias to protect them, Iraq's embattled minorities are at the mercy of their environment. As the abduction of Archbishop Paulos and the murder of his colleagues show, when there is no security, there is too little mercy.

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.
For more information on AAI, please visit http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/56d614285e8b43ff/DFMKY1/VEsE/.

1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20006
phone (202) 429-9210 fax (202) 429-9214
http://www.aaiusa.org/page/m/56d614285e8b43ff/RWVxJt/VEsF/ aai@aaiusa.org