المكتب الاعلامي لرئاسة الجمهورية
In response to the remarks made by Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, against the Iraqi Government, regarding the Presidential decision to revoke a decree recognising Cardinal Louis Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, as head of the Christian Church in Iraq:
Following Mr. Miller’s comments on the recent decision to revoke the decree involving Cardinal Louis Sako, the Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Iraq is disappointed by the accusations aimed at the Iraqi Government and the Presidency regarding the decision taken to reverse a decree that was not in line with the country’s constitution. The Presidency will summon the US Embassy in Baghdad over this matter.
Since the adoption of Iraq’s Constitution in 2005, the country has worked strenuously alongside the USA to build a functioning legal system that gives rights to all citizens of the country, and one that is ultimately followed and abided by. The Iraqi Presidential Office is not permitted to take actions that contravene the constitution. The primary role of the President is to uphold the Constitution and the legal frameworks around it.
The Office of the President of Iraq has asserted that this step in no way impedes His Eminence’s ability to execute his duties with the Chaldean Church, and that he commands our respect. Since 2018, the judicial and constitutional authorities, have made it abundantly clear that the President of Iraq does not have any authority in any matter or situation to issue presidential decrees to any heads of religious denominations. This applies equally to other Christian denominations, Yazidi, Islamic, and any other religious groupings within Iraq.
The President of Iraq is constitutionally unable to appoint or dismiss a head of a denomination who is chosen by their followers, nor can the president favour or prioritise any group, least of all to impose the leader of one denomination over others. It sets a dangerous precedent if the Office of the President of Iraq were to interfere in these matters.
The President has always respected Iraq’s Christians and has advocated for their rights throughout his career. He categorically rejects any threats or harmful rhetoric against the Church or any other group in Iraq. It ought to be clear that this decree, while constitutionally invalid, had not given any additional authority to His Eminence
Cardinal Sako. For this reason, revoking it will not take away from him any authority. Regardless of the action taken, the revoke does not and will not change the Cardinal’s duties or status. Once again, the decision taken has solely been a rectification of a past error.
The Christian community, whether Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac, Greek Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox or Armenian, have always been and will continue to remain an integral part of Iraq. To accuse the Office of the Presidency or the Iraqi Government of attacking religious freedom and harming the Christian community is not only categorically false but it is harmful to the foundations of this state and the tremendous strides it has made in creating a tolerant and equal society. Iraq’s Christians are valued members of Iraqi society, and their rights are safeguarded by our Constitution.
To reverse this decision, as suggested by Mr. Miller and the State Department, would be futile and a flagrant violation of the Constitution for which Iraqis and Americans themselves have fought and sacrificed. It would also undermine every effort made to strengthen the internal structures, legal frameworks, and Constitution of Iraq. Iraqis can and will defend their constitution as vigorously as other nations do.
President Abdul Latif Rashid is committed to upholding the Iraqi Constitution and treating all Iraqis equal regardless of their ethnicity, beliefs, or faith.
Spokesperson
The Presidential Office of the Republic of Iraq
19/07/2023
