"Together with the hostage situation there is the crisis of the entire population," says Nuncio in B
Baghdad (AsiaNews) - Msgr. Filoni says "I don't see any optimistic solution" at hand. The complex situation, involving the latest hostage crisis, is underscored in an interview the prelate had with AsiaNews. And one must not forget the crisis affecting the entire Iraqi population, he says.
Msgr. Filoni says in the interview that the Iraqi Church, which is on good terms with Shiite and Sunni communities, could act as a mediator for the release of the hostages. Currently, however, he says no one quite understands who is "detaining the hostages". Hence, at this critical juncture he says the Church is present "in the spirit of Easter" while the duty of Christians in Iraq remains that of "bringing about peace and harmonious living conditions to the nation".
Msgr. Filoni, how did Iraqis react to the Italian hostage being killed?
In Italy, of course, they see the problem from an Italian citizen's perspective. Here, obviously, (the problem) is seen on a much wider scale, since there are another 40 persons who have been taken hostage.
The crisis is much larger than this and we cannot reduce it to a problem of only one or two persons. There are various sensitive issues at hand, but one must not forget that there are 40 or so hostages and that together with the hostage (situation) there is the crisis of the entire nation.
The crisis is felt by both hostages and Iraqis. But why take it out on those foreigners in Iraq who are there to help the population and ease the crisis?
The problem stems from those who don't appreciate what has happened over the past year. And they form a resistance faction because of this. They are opposed to all that facilitates a new order, an order which has not taken them into consideration and has crushed their past realities.
What does Iraqi public opinion have to say about these cold-blooded murders?
Various Sunni and Shiite heads are against this type of warfare, that is, taking hostages to get their revenge.
The abduction of foreign citizens reminds us of what happened in Beirut in the 1980s. What is purpose behind all this?
The purposes is found in isolating those (abductors) who carry out such acts, both morally and ideally speaking.
Many Iraqi Catholics have fled the city and headed to the northern part of the country. Do they feel threatened?
In a relative sense, yes. Those who can return to their home towns, do so. As they did during the war. Immediately afterward they went back to the city and their own homes. In a climate of tension and difficulty, those who don't have any particular commitments go back to their villages, where there is more peace.
How did the Easter celebrations go? Were there any changes to regular religious life and activities?
Life in the community continues to be the same. Easter religious activities, which are usually performed at night, were moved to the afternoon. But life goes on. Easter celebrations went well. Instead of at mid-night, the (vigil) mass was said at Vespers.
The Catholic Church and Nunciature have brought humanitarian aid to the citizens of the besieged city of Falluja. How do people view such help?
Christians, when facing the siege of Falluja, took it upon themselves what to do. Even Muslims did likewise. We have thought it was good to help out with humanitarian relief, collecting many provisions, foodstuffs and medicine and bringing them to Falluja. In collaboration with Msgr. Warduni (a Chaldean Catholic) there was a Shiite imam and Sunni religious head (to receive the supplies). People were really happy not to feel abandoned. The city was almost half empty.
Can such actions ease, in any way, the hatred felt for Christians and indirectly for the West?
We do it out of a humanitarian spirit, according to the Christian Easter spirit. Many appreciate it, even if there are some who don't. Anyway, we do it in this sense.
It seems that there is a wave of reckless fundamentalism carried out by various splinter groups. With whom is it possible to negotiate? Who really heads such groups? Can the Church act as a mediator?
In order to negotiate one needs to know who is responsible and who are the parties involved. Otherwise any such talks are not possible.
The Church can play the role of a mediator, but it depends on who is detaining the hostages, on whether they are interested in making deals or not. It's all very difficult. Currently I don't see any optimistic solution. We don't have any magic answer to give. We are trying to live out the spirit of the Church, the spirit which has led us here to help and serve the Iraqi people. We are interested in bringing about peace and harmonious living conditions to the nation.
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23/11/2004
