Posted on 07/23/2014 6:06:05 AM PDT by marshmallow
Moscow, July 23, Interfax - The Russian Foreign Ministry is concerned about the persecution of members of religious minorities in northwestern Iraq by Islamists from the radical militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and is calling on the international community to prevent inter-religious strife in the region.
"Moscow is deeply concerned about the fact that ISIL militants are persecuting members of religious minorities living in northwestern Iraq, forcing thousands of Christians and adherents of other faiths to hastily leave their traditional places of living," the ministry said in a statement available on its website.
"We believe that such aggressive and systematic actions by Islamic radicals in relation to some groups of Iraqi society motivated by religious hatred are absolutely unacceptable and criminal. Special responsibility for the ongoing events rests with the forces in the region and outside it that patronize the ISIL this or that way," it said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called on "all responsible members of the international community to do all they can to prevent interethnic and inter-religious strife, support the Iraqi authorities' efforts to establish order in the country and resolve all the existing disagreements through dialogue and mutual respect on a non-discriminatory basis and taking into account interests of all elements of Iraqi society."
Several weeks ago, ISIL terrorists announced the establishment of the so-called Islamic caliphate on the areas adjacent to the Iraqi-Syrian border, which would also cover territories inhabited by Christians and other religious minorities, it said.
"Taking the city of Mosul in the northwestern part of the country under control, the militants have presented an ultimatum to the Christians, obliging them either to adopt Islam, or pay the tax collected from the non-Muslim population, or leave the places of their permanent living. Upon the expiration of the deadline, the militants switched to violent actions in relation to religious minorities. Hundreds of Christian families had to flee their homes. Several days ago, terrorists seized the Mar Benham monastery near Mosul, demanding that its clergy leave the sanctuary," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
On this critically important issue, Russia is far ahead of the United States and the European Union.
Another successful slap at Kerry's State Department and Obamination’s insane administration — none of whom care if his Muslim buddies are persecuting the religious minorities in Iraq. If we must import people from the Middle East, why aren't we giving refuge to ME Christians and not MUSLIMS? Let the various Muslim sects murder each other like they have for 1400+ years.
Suppose they could take a little time out from invading Ukraine and downing civilian passenger jets to do something about it? If they don’t, I’m guessing this statement is just for publicity.
Maybe to “slap back” at Obama.
Since when do the Russians care about “religious minorities”?
Where is the US State Department statement on this issue?
Because it sure isn’t on their website.
QUESTION: And just to follow up on Samir’s question yesterday about ISIS in Iraq and persecuting Christians, is there any update from the podium about any special ambassador for international religious freedom that might be able to – better equipped to deal with this kind of issue?
MS. HARF: Well, we’re very well-equipped to deal with this kind of issue. We have a number of people working on it. I don’t have an update for you on that. I’m happy to check.
QUESTION: Would you agree that when President Obama goes to the Dutch embassy and signs a book of condolence – largely it’s a ceremonial gesture. Would a nomination – would you agree that a nomination of this position of international – ambassador of international religious freedom, it would set – it’d be better optics, given —
MS. HARF: Why is it related in any way to the President signing a ceremonial book? I don’t see the link, and obviously, we’re committed to religious freedom regardless of whether or not there’s someone in that position.
QUESTION: Because it’s a gesture that says that we care.
MS. HARF: Well, we do care. We care very deeply, and I will see if there’s an update on any sort of nominations for you.
QUESTION: Can I just go back to the – this machine gun thing?
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