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Regrettable
Speaking
on BBC Breakfast this morning Professor Mohammed El-Gomati, a spokesman
for the York Mosque, described the events of last night as 'Very
regrettable'.
"I
understand that Saddam Hussein is a dictator. I have been against
his regime when both the British and American Governments were supporting
him.
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Terrorism
is a convenient excuse to say we will change the regime
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| Mohammed
El-Gomati
- York Mosque |
"But
the way this is being handled is hurting the very people we are
claiming to be helping - the ordinary Iraqi civilians.
"I
believe that this war is a multifaceted interest based war. This
war is about oil, about imperialism, about expansion. We can't say
it's about one thing.
"Terrorism
is a convenient excuse to say we will change the regime here, change
that. I mean what is after Iraq?"
Prayers
from the Archbishop of York
Saddened
Revd
Jeremy Clines is the Chaplain of York St John College. He says he's
deeply saddened that it's come to war.
"I
think where there are unjust regimes we have to use all the legal
means we can to resist oppression.
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I deeply respect the courage of British service personnel
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| Revd
Jeremy Clines - York St John College Chaplain |
"But
with Saddam Hussein I personally believe illegal means are being
used outside of international agreement and therefore outside international
law.
"We
need to think of British service personnel in the Gulf. As a Christian
I pray for them. I'm very concerned and distressed that they are
serving our country for a cause that doesn't have broad public support.
"I
deeply respect their courage in attempting to be professional about
something where the politics are so delicate."
Hope
for a quick resolution
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| Dr
David Hope - Archbishop of York |
The
Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, said he hopes for quick resolution
to the conflict.
"My
hope would be that any military strike would be limited.
"That
the safety of our people, and the long suffering people of Iraq,
would be paramount and we must pray for a rapid cessation of hostilities."
A special
service is being held in York Minster at 17:00 where there
will be prayers for peace and for a just settlement to the crisis.
Prayers
from the Archbishop of York
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