Mosul, Iraq (AINA) -- The ChaldoAssyrians Student and Youth Union of Mosul announced in a press release dated 10/18/2004 that their members have stopped attending Mosul University effective 10/16/2004. There are 1500 Assyrians (also known as Chaldeans and Syriacs) attending Mosul University.

The Student Union, composed of Christians, cites intense pressure on the Christian students by Muslims, especially on female students to wear the Muslim vale, and a lack of security as the basis for the boycott. The students have been harassed repeatedly and have been receiving numerous threats from terrorists who are taking advantage of the non-stability and management chaos at the University. Amid escalating attacks (AINA, 10-06-2004, 09-13-2004, 06-20-2004) against Christians, the ChaldoAssyrian students are fearful of terrorist attacks by Muslims and outlaws.

The Assyrians are Iraq's indigenous people and have lived in the Nineveh Plain's towns and villages for millenia.

The Student Union is asking the authorities to take all necesary steps to remedy these problems so that the students can return to their classes.