Iraq: Violence Against Christians

Mark C. Toner

Acting Department Spokesman

Washington, DC

December 31, 2010

We condemn the violence against Christians carried out overnight by terrorists in Iraq. President Talabani, Prime Minister Maliki, and virtually every political bloc and major religious leader in Iraq have denounced attacks on Christians and stressed the centrality of Christians in the fabric of Iraqi society. We commend the Government of Iraq for increasing its security measures to protect Christian communities since the October 31 suicide bombing attack at Our Lady of Salvation Church.

We call on the Government of Iraq to redouble its efforts to protect Christians and apprehend the terrorists who are behind these acts.