Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad Raphael Louis I Sako has confirmed that there are more than 100,000 Christians displaced inside Iraq today, stressing that the French invitation to receive Christians is generous but partial.

He said in a press conference, after his meeting with Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in Najaf where he arrived on an unannounced visit accompanied by a high-level Christian delegation: "We dealt with Sistani's interests to all Iraqi components, not only for the Shiites, but for all Iraqis and his keenness on maintaining national cohesion and unity of Iraq."

He added, "I mentioned to him the importance of speeding up the formation of the government, and he is interested in this matter, because the vacuum allows others to abuse the country", adding, "we talked about the suffering of the Christians and the displacement of more than 100 thousand Christians to the regions and cities of the Kurdistan region."

He explained, "Al-Sistani told us 'You are part of us and we are part of you, and you are in our hearts and we are suffering to what is happening to you, Sunnis and Shiites because everyone is targeted'."

Sako said: "We thanked his interest and initiatives, because he is illuminated sign amid all misty and we hope that all listen to his voice, moderation, wisdom and guidance."

About France's call for Christians, he said, "It's generous invitation but partial; France and international forums should help protect Iraq and all Iraqis."