Islamic Congress hopes and prays for release of CPT hostages in Iraq
CIC may send envoy to Iraq a second time
THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS
MEDIA COMMUNIQUE
March 10, 2006
ISLAMIC CONGRESS HOPES AND PRAYS FOR RELEASE OF CPT HOSTAGES IN IRAQ
-- CIC MAY SEND ENVOY TO IRAQ A SECOND TIME
In response to a brief press-release video aired on Arab and international
television stations earlier this week, showing three of the four Christian
Peacemaker Teams hostages, the Canadian Islamic Congress has renewed its
call for continued prayer and negotiation.
The Congress shares growing global concern and alarm that the soundless
video shown on March 8, but dated Feb. 28, did not include American Tom
Fox. Fox, along with Canadians James Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooden, and
Briton Norman Kember, were kidnapped more than 100 days ago in Baghdad.
Since then, their captors have repeatedly demanded the release of all Iraqi
war detainees, estimated at close to 15,000.
"This is a sad and ironic situation," today's CIC statement said. "Of all
groups to target, CPT has been most proactive in working on behalf of all
Iraqis. Even now, while their colleagues' fate is unknown, CPT members
continue to work in Iraq, particularly on behalf of detainees... What more
could anyone do to prove that these people are no threat to Iraq?"
In December, Congress envoy Ehab Lotayeff travelled to Iraq in an attempt
to contact the hostage-takers and to draw international attention to the
urgency of the situation. Although Canadian government representatives
continue to work with Iraqi officials, CIC -- the largest NGO representing
Canada's 750,000 Muslims -- is contemplating sending its own envoy once
again.
"We call on all Canadians for their prayers on behalf of the four hostages
and for those working in good faith to free them," the statement concluded.
CONTACTS:
Dr. Mohamed Elmasry
(519) 746-4107 (O)
(519) 498-1350 (Cell)
e-mail: np@canadianislamiccongress.com
Mrs. Wahida Valiante
(905) 771-1023
e-mail: nvp@canadianislamiccongress.com