
Iraqi Christian parliamentarian Khales Joshua criticized the practice of purchasing Christian lands in Kurdistan at exorbitant prices, an area which enjoys the greatest Christian majority in Iraq.
He said such practices aim to alter the demographic distribution in the region.
In a press statement today, Joshua added, "The problem lies in interpreting misinterpreting constitutional articles. This problem is public as each party interprets these articles according to their own interest.”
He said such practices aim to alter the demographic distribution in the region.
In a press statement today, Joshua added, "The problem lies in interpreting misinterpreting constitutional articles. This problem is public as each party interprets these articles according to their own interest.”
“Article 23 bans possession aiming to achieve population change," he explained. "It means to prevent the population density in any area."
Joshua noted such a process is being achieved gradually, over consecutive periods, as some swaths of purchasing took place during the former regime. Currently, he added, attempts are now being witnessed in the Nineveh province.
"Before 2003, Christians comprised more than 95 percent of the population in Bartila [city of Nineveh]. Now that number is less than 50 percent."
Joshua pointed to the authorities distribution of land, building units and places of worship for Christians.
He added, “Christian lands currently witness a number of violations, though executive authorities attempt to rectify these problems in different areas. No one is assured for the future.”
Joshua noted such a process is being achieved gradually, over consecutive periods, as some swaths of purchasing took place during the former regime. Currently, he added, attempts are now being witnessed in the Nineveh province.
"Before 2003, Christians comprised more than 95 percent of the population in Bartila [city of Nineveh]. Now that number is less than 50 percent."
Joshua pointed to the authorities distribution of land, building units and places of worship for Christians.
He added, “Christian lands currently witness a number of violations, though executive authorities attempt to rectify these problems in different areas. No one is assured for the future.”