APPELLO PER LE DUE ITALIANE RAPITE IN IRAQ

Genova, 22 Settembre 2004


(foto dal numero speciale di "Panorama" del 16 settembre 2004)

Riportiamo l'appello lanciato dalla nostra Presidente, il Ministro egiziano per la Cooperazione Internazionale, On. Fayza Aboulnaga, a nome di tutte le donne che fanno parte della nostra Associazione internazionale, per la liberazione delle nostre connazionali rapite in Iraq, e per tutti gli ostaggi rapiti in quel Paese, augurandoci che tutti gli appelli lanciati da più parti non restino voci inascoltate.

Press Release

The “Women of the Mediterranean”, as a non-governmental organization representing women in many Mediterranean countries, whose aims include supporting issues concerning women and human and civil rights, wishes to add its voice to the outcry of all governmental and non governmental organizations and civil society associations around the world since September 7, 2004, regarding the abduction of civilians and expresses serious concern therefore. The denouncement is accentuated particularly because the abducted are civilians who have been working in Iraq for humanitarian organizations or reconstruction and development bodies extending help and care to the people of Iraq (Bridge to Baghdad). The “Women of the Mediterranean” particularly denounces and condemns the abduction of the two Italian hostages (Simona Torretta and Simona Pari) and calls upon their abductors to immediately release them and also appeals for the release of all other hostages of various nationalities held captive in Iraq.

The “Women of the Mediterranean” fully supports the sincere efforts being exerted by the governments concerned for the release of their citizens that have been taken hostages in Iraq. At the same time, the “Women of the Mediterranean” asserts its appreciation of the endeavours made by the National Moslem Union in France, headed by Mr. Mohamed Bishary, as well as the appeal made by the Moslem Scholars Authority in Baghdad on September 13, 2004, for the release of the hostage in captivity.
The “Women of the Mediterranean” also commends all other statements and announcements made by Islamic and Christian institutions and authorities condemning such action, confirming that they contradict with the principles and morals of all divine religions. In particular, the Sheik (head) of Gamea Al-Azhar in Egypt has announced that according to Islam, the abduction of civilians or holding them in captive is not permissible, as it contradicts with the principals and teaching of Islam.

(go to the Arab Version)