Iraqi MP deplores attacks on Christians

MOSUL, Iraq, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- An Iraqi lawmaker condemned the killings of members of the Christian community in the north of the country, calling it a move aimed at provoking division.

Osama al-Najaifi with the Iraqi National List said Friday the continued attacks on the Christian community were an effort to cleanse the area of one of the oldest demographics in the country, the Iraqi satellite channel al-Sumaria reported.

Gunmen shot and killed a Christian man and his father in eastern Mosul Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Louis Saka called on Christians to embrace their heritage and national identity in an effort to stand peacefully against discrimination.

The declarations come amid news that nearly 300 Christian families have fled the city of Mosul amid mounting violence from Islamic militants.

"Two-hundred and ninety-five Christian families fled Mosul during the past three days, due to threats they received from gunmen," sources told the Voices of Iraq news agency.

For his part, the Rev. Louis al-Shabi with the Chaldean church in Baghdad earlier this week urged followers to stand in solidarity at the polls in the coming provincial elections.

"We want to be treated equally, as Iraqis living with the Muslims and other nationals in a united brotherly spirit," he said.

The Iraqi archdiocese says the number of Christians living in Iraq is in steady decline.