Iraqi President Lets Christians Pray for Him—with Iraq "Improving Dramatically" He is Upbeat About Future

"I have a bias towards the Assyrian Christians. They are the indigenous people of our country and our most nationalist and good people." —Iraqi President Nouri al Malaki

Michael Ireland/TN (April 24th, 2007)

Assyrian Christians in Iraq have made a formal request for a province of their own inside the war-torn country, and many see this as the only way to persuade thousands of refugees outside the country to return. The Assyrian Province, under the same legal framework as neighboring Kurdistan, is seen as a key to bring the Northern part of Iraq into stability.

In a wide-ranging, exclusive interview in Tokyo for ASSIST News Service (ANS) with Ken Joseph Jr., Iraqi President Nouri al Malaki affirmed the Assyrian Christians' right to have a province of their own, which could be provided for under the Iraqi Constitution. (Photo: Ken Joseph Jr. meets with President Malaki—ANS)

Malaki said: "I have a bias towards the Assyrian Christians. They are the indigenous people of our country and our most nationalist and good people."

He added: "We want them to be inside the country and active and able to retake their rights. We will do all we can to help them. At the same time, if they feel they need an area, a province of their own as the Constitution provides, I support this fully."

Reacting to large numbers of refugees in neighboring countries, Malaki said: "We do not consider them refugees. They are displaced, and we are doing all we can to create a situation where they can return. They are our responsibility and we do not need help from others to take them in—they will return home."

Malaki was addressing questions concerning the minorities, many of whom are in neighboring countries, including an estimated nearly 500,000 Assyrian Christians.

During the interview, Malaki appeared upbeat about the future of his country in contrast to the daily bad news coming out of Iraq.

"I fully understand why bad news makes the news," Malaki said. "It is the nature of the world we live in. At the same time, I think it is important to let the world know that things in our country are improving dramatically. Our unemployment rate has gone from nearly 70 percent to now under 30 percent. Our most recent growth rate was 3 percent and we have seen, in particular as a result of the recent Baghdad program, a dramatic drop in so-called sectarian violence."

"What is particularly encouraging to me is the changes we have seen in our security forces and the trust from our people once again. We are finally seeing individual citizens provide information to our forces, which has changed the situation dramatically in rooting out those who are determined to ruin our country."

"In spite of much information to the contrary, we are seeing a return to the Iraq we all once knew when we considered ourselves all Iraqis and not belonging to a particular sect or group," he said. "Economic development is taking place at a good rate. Part of the reason we are here is to encourage even more investment into our country. The monthly income of our people has gone from about $20 a month to now over $200. The dramatic rise in electrical use is one good sign that the economy is taking off. The stores are full."

At the same time, Malaki saw security as the major concern going forward. "We need good and reliable security and we are doing all we can to expand the security forces so they can take charge. The key is the trust between the people and the security forces. This is where we have seen the most progress," he said. "I think we are the only country in the region with a Human Rights Ministry—we have suffered much in the past, all of us, and the Human Rights Ministry is dedicated to rooting out all forms of abuse. It is a positive sign."

Reacting to the question of a timetable, Malaki strongly objected saying, "There is no timetable for the Multinational Forces to leave. We are working together with our friends to bring security under control. The only timetable is that of our forces and our nation as a whole being able to assume responsibility for our situation."

The Prime Minister was clear that any discussion of timetables for withdrawal of Multinational Forces would be disastrous. "In the end we will be able to take care of ourselves. Meanwhile, we need the help of our friends to stand against those who want to harm us."

Following the interview the atmosphere in the room was heavy, and tears were in the eyes of all present as the suffering of those who, although now in power, had suffered terribly under Saddam Hussein came to the fore.

Malaki was asked, "Do you mind if we pray for you?" This question elicited a quiet, "Please," and all in the room bowed in prayer as they held the Prime Minister's hand and asked God to do a miracle in the land of Abraham.

Source: ASSIST News Service

COLOMBIA Teachers Forced to Deny Christ - VOM Sources
A VOM contact reports that three teachers working with a tribal group are being forced to deny Christ in order to be permitted to teach for the next year. All three teachers intend to stand firm. An effort is being made in some of the tribal areas to eliminate Christianity. Pray God gives these believers courage to stand against this persecution. Ask God to protect them and use their experiences to bring others to Christ. 1 Corinthians 16:13


CHINA Christians Arrested in China - VOM Sources /China Aid Association

• On January 22, 2007, three "Minority for Christ" workers were arrested in Guizhou province. Guizhou has one of the largest Hmong populations and is also one of the strongest Communist provinces in China.
• VOM sources also report that security police arrested 11 Korean Christians after visiting a local village in China. After extensive interrogation they were released. The group is helping a local village build a new church building.
• On January 26, 2007, Hua Huidi and his 76-year-old mother were attacked and wounded by seven police officers while walking near a 2008 Olympic hotel site in Beijing, China. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Hua, an active house-church member in Beijing, and his mother were kicked on the ground and later taken to the Olympic Police Station for questioning. "When Hua asked the police to release his sick mother and explain the legal ground for the detention, he was beaten repeatedly. While the temperature in Beijing was in the 20s, cold water was poured on him. He was later taken to a detention center," CAA said. Hua's family learned that he was sentenced to one month of criminal detention.

Pray God continues to protect Christians in China. Persecution is expected to intensify ahead of the 2008 Olympics. Ask God to give believers wisdom and courage as they face these difficult times. Deuteronomy 31:6 Deuteronomy 31:6


UZBEKISTAN Pastor Arrested by Secret Police in Uzbekistan - VOM Sources/ Compass Direct News
A pastor was arrested by Uzbek secret police on January 21. During the raid of the Full Gospel Church in Andijan, secret service officers asked Pastor Dmitry Shestakov to step outside with them for five minutes. They then escorted him to the nearest police station. At last report, he was still in police custody. The pastor is accused of "incitement of national, racial and religious enmity," under Article 156 of Uzbekistan's penal code. He could face up to five years in prison if convicted of this charge. Pray God will give this Christian brother the right words to say when he stands before accusing authorities. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring his neighbors, friends and persecutors to Christ through his faithful witness.Romans 12:14, 21


ZIMBABWE Christian Leaders Arrested - VOM Sources
The entire leadership of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) and some journalists were arrested during a meeting in Kadoma on January 26. The alliance is involved in a number of measures to support those suffering from the on-going political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe and to work toward a resolution. At least 1000 people gathered in and around a church building to pray for Zimbabwe when armed riot police raided the meeting and arrested the leaders. Eight senior leaders were charged with holding an illegal political meeting. During interrogation, they were accused of working to overthrow President Robert Mugabe. After being interrogated throughout the weekend, the eight were arraigned on January 29 and released on $100,000 Zimbabwe dollars ($415 US) bail each. They are scheduled to appear in court on March 5. Those facing charges are Jonah Gokova, Pastor Raymond Motsi, Pius Wakatama, Pastor Ancelemon Magaya, Pastor Watson Mugabe, Pastor Zvizai Chiponda, Lawrence Berejina and Gerald Mubaiwa. Pray those charged will be acquitted. Thank God for their release. Ask God to encourage the leadership of ZCA to faithfully carry out their God-given task. 1 Peter 5:1-4


CHINA UPDATE - Chinese House Church Leaders Released
Nine house-church leaders arrested in the village of Chencun, Henan province on January 6, 2007, were released from prison on January 20. The church leaders were not given any legal certificate of their arrest, detention or release. Local Christians believe police deliberately refused the Christians any legal evidence of their detention in order to prevent possible lawsuits. Thank God for the release of these believers. Pray their persecutors will be brought to justice.