(18 Jul 09 - RV) Sporadic violence is still continuing in Iraq despite an improvement
in the security situation in the country.
The U.S.
military confirmed that three of its soldiers were killed in the south in an attack
on a base outside Iraq's second largest city of Basra.
Also, three Iraqis
were killed and more than 40 others were injured in bombings in Baghdad as huge crowds
of pilgrims gathered to commemorate a revered Shiite saint.
Christians
have also been targeted recently prompting Pope Benedict to send a message of support
to Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans.
The
Archbishop of Baghdad of the Latin Rite, Jean Sleimen told Lydia O’Kane that there
is hope for Christians living in the country and those who want to return.