In the midst of the daily suffering of the Iraqi people, a series of attacks against our Assyrian people have taken place. It seems that these attacks are an orderly and carefully planned scheme to empty Iraq of its indigenous people. Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of the Chaldean Church in Mosul was abducted on February 29, 2008 and three of his bodyguards were killed. Here again are the hands of treachery and betrayal carrying out heinous crimes against the Iraqi people. 

We in the Assyrian General Conference, condemn this heinous crime, and demand the release of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho immediately. We condemn these barbaric acts against our unarmed and peaceful Assyrian people. We hold the Iraqi government responsible for the crime that took place. It happened in the city centre, at a time when security forces were deployed in Mosul for the implementation of the new security plan to eradicate terrorism. We call on the Iraqi government and security forces to work fast, and not to only give promises and fancy slogans for the liberation of Archbishop Rahho. The government needs to act diligently to arrest the perpetrators of the crime and bring them to justice. Also, it is the responsibility of the Iraqi government to work hard to provide security, safety and livelihood for all citizens. Moreover, the government should make every effort to make the reconciliation among all sects of the Iraqi people a success, which will safeguard and stabilize Iraq.

At this difficult time, we offer our condolences to the martyr's families. May their souls rest in peace.

Glory and immortality to our martyrs