Basra, Iraq - The police departments and security forces of Basra, south of Baghdad, are opening their arms to Iraqi Christian recruits and volunteers, the city's police department head Jalil Khalaf said on Sunday. "This offer is meant to limit the migration of Iraqi Christians to other countries to look for job opportunities or out of fear of the security situation," Khalaf told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.
"The gates are open for all Christians to join the different police departments, and be involved in the ranks of the police - as officers or as administrative employees."
Khalaf described the security situation in Basra as generally "good." He said Basra has asked the central government in Baghdad to help the city enhance its military and police capabilities.
