A Visit with Prime Minister Al Sudani
From left, Martin Manna, Prime Minister Al Sudani, and Mike Sarafa.
CCF’s continuing mission to improve the lives of Iraqi Christians
By CN Staff
On Sunday, September 22, Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) President Martin Manna visited with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani at the annual United National General Assembly in New York City. He was accompanied by the General Counsel to the CCF, Michael Sarafa. Other than a translator, there was no one else in the room.
The Prime Minister looked a little weary, perhaps from a long overseas flight, but was otherwise warm, engaging and in good spirits. The meeting lasted for over 40 minutes.
First and foremost on the agenda was to discuss assistance in rebuilding the Christian and other minority villages in the Nineveh Plain and support to hire more members of the community within the Federal Government and Community Police Force. Prime Minister Sudani was very receptive to this notion and committed to free up not only previously designated funds allocated to the Nineveh Governate, but also new funds controlled directly by the central government for purposes such as these.
Documents were shared with the Prime Minister that highlighted the Foundation’s priorities in Iraq, including the implementation of Article 125 of the Iraqi Constitution, rebuilding of minority villages in the Nineveh Plain, reversal of the Alcohol Ban, preservation of Chaldean identity, and a national education campaign about the historical contributions of Iraqi Christians to Iraqi civilization.
Specifically emphasized was the vital necessity of activating Article 125, as it holds the potential to mitigate emigration and foster prosperity in the Nineveh Plain. This initiative is particularly impactful in the districts of Hamdaniya and Telkeif, where the establishment of administrative units, recruitment of local police from the area’s populace, and creation of more job opportunities are feasible.
Recently in Najaf, the subdistrict of Al-Barakia was created, which set a precedent to create similar districts for the Yazidi and Shabak communities in Alqosh and Bartella. This will address the issues of all the minority populations in the region. The subdistricts can be initiated through a majority vote of the Nineveh Provencial Council.
His Excellency, again, invited a CCF delegation to visit Baghdad to further discuss these issues and, importantly, was very receptive to visiting the Christian villages in the north, accompanied by this delegation. The Prime Minister encouraged the CCF to continue with its efforts. He also recalled with fondness his trip to Michigan earlier this spring and the pride he felt in the accomplishments of the Iraqi Chaldean Community in Michigan.
Said Manna, “Prime Minister Sudani represents the best hope in 20 years to not only stabilize Iraq, but to create a true national republic where all people have equal opportunity, security, and government that works for all the Iraqi people.”