Hussein gives orders to repair the place of prophet Ibraham's birth

Iraqi sources stated that Iraqi President Saddam Hussien gave an order to repairing Or city, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, before the expected visit of Pope John Paul II.

The sources said a committee comprising officials including Iraq's vice president, minister of Aqwf (Islamic endowments) and religious affairs, and minister of culture and information, will present a detailed study concerning the repair and renovation of the city and its costs.

The sources said the Pope's visit, prepared by the presidency, will include the ancient city of Or between the two rivers where the prophet Abraham was born, 400 kilometers south of Baghdad, and which inlcudes Babylonian and Assyrian ancient remains, a group of temples, pictures, and the royal tombs.

Moreover, the patriarch of the Iraqi Caldean Church, Raphael Bidadier said that the Vatican and Baghdad will declare during the current week the date for the Pope's visit, adding that it will take place before Christmas.