May 29, 2008

BEIRUT, Lebanon – A fact-finding delegation from the Middle East Fellowship in the USA, led by Mr. Robin Wainright, director of the Caltin Foundation in Florida visited Jordan and Syria, May 17-26, 2008. The mission aimed at studying the Iraqi refugees' situation in the two countries that have hosted a very large numbers of those refugees.

The visit was organized in cooperation with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) both in Syria and Jordan. Rev. Dr. Nuhad Tohme, MECC Associate General Secretary, accompanied the delegation in their visits.

In Jordan, the delegation met with Iraqi refugees and learnt about their situation. They also met with representatives of local churches, Islamic and humanitarian organizations to discuss ways and means of improving refugees' living conditions.

His Excellency Akel Biltaji, The advisor and consultant of His Majesty King Abdullah II received the delegation. His Excellency gave a comprehensive lecture at the Century Hotel about the History of Jordan and the general situation of the region, and a detailed awareness of the peace process in the region and the role of Jordan in the Peace process, as a moderate and positive role lead By His Majesty King Abdullah II.

A worship service offered at the Presbyterian Church in Amman was attended by Iraqi refugees.

In Syria, the delegation met with Christian and Muslim Iraqi refugees and listened to their stories and the challenges they are facing.

The delegation met with His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim, Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox of Antioch and with Ms. Colette Khoury, Consultant to the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Bachar Al Assad. They also attended a graduation ceremony at the Holy Cross Church in Damascus during which 35 young Iraqi men and women received diplomas for completing their vocational training in Management Skills. The vocational training program was implemented jointly by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Middle East Council of Churches.

At the end of the mission, the delegation members committed themselves to advocate for the cause of the Iraqi refugees in the USA, hoping to be heard. For more information contact: wafa_mecc@go.com.jo.

Middle East Council of Churches