Iraq denies receiving groups of Christian pilgrims

INA – Baghdad

Iraq Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities denied the news and reports circulated by the media about Iraq's readiness to receive groups of Christian pilgrims, as well as the US, German and Italian archaeological missions carrying out excavations in the city of Nasiriyah in early October.

"These news and reports are false, because it violates the instructions of the Health and Safety Committee,'' said the ministry in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The statement included an explanation that "the ministry's role is currently limited to facilitating the entry of a limited number of visitors interested in antiquities and in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, similar to the procedures followed with foreign journalists and some personalities who intend to enter the country to participate in various activities, and in accordance with health and safety conditions, as well as the conditions and developments of Corona pandemic.

The ministry called on the media ''to be careful about the information circulated in this regard, taking into account the well-deserved position that Iraq has assumed, and for credibility to remain a prominent feature in our sober national media,''