Avak Asadourian

"We are citizens of Iraq and we have been in this land, our home, for millennia. Politicians leading the country say they hope that Christians will remain in the country and continue to contribute. We ask them not to remain in good intentions, but to put them into practice through works."

"We Christians are the ancient inhabitants of this land, not only in Iraq but throughout the Middle East. Our presence goes back many centuries. In Iraq, we have always lived in the name of brotherhood and coexistence with other religious communities. We have lived together for centuries, but now our presence is endangered. We have helped to shape and fertilize the land, spreading peace, love, justice. And we want to continue to do so in the future."