Few Iraqi Christians returning to Mosul despite government support

Baghdad: Few Iraqi Christians are returning to the restive city of Mosul despite government pledges of financial support and protection, officials said Wednesday.

Every Christian family that comes back to Mosul would receive 1 million Iraqi dinars (about US$865) on orders of the prime minister, said Jawdat Ismaeel, a local migration official.

But only a handful of Christians have returned, he said.

Nearly 10,000 Christians, roughly half the city's Christian population, have fled this month because of threats and attacks, according to Iraqi officials. Sunni insurgents are believed to be behind the campaign to drive them out.

Lt. Gen. Riyadh Jalal Tawfiq, the Iraqi military commander for Ninevah province, said the government was fulfilling its responsibility to "give protection to every family that returns home."

He said the security situation in Mosul was improving. Security checkpoints have been set up and foot patrols are checking the houses of displaced families to see who has returned, he said.

"We urge other families to come back," Tawfiq said. "We will ensure their protection."