National Unity Top Priority

Prime minister Ibrahim al-Ja'afari said that all religious groups in the new Iraq are guaranteed the right to practice their religious traditions. He maintained that national unity and respect for mankind are top priorities. Receiving the heads of the Sunni and Shia endowments and other representatives of religious groups, Ja'sfari affirmed that Ashuraa (the fasting holiday honouring Imam al-Hussein) is not an Islamic or Shia occasion but an occasion of all religions because Hussein was the martyr of humanity, justice and freedom that all mankind strives for. He urged the religious leaders to educate people regarding beginning reconciliation (in Iraq) and loving (Iraqi) culture. He said this would help solidify national unity and avoid (repeating) past negative experiences.