Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received a delegation representing Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, to discuss latest developments and the situation of displaced Christian families sheltered in Kurdistan.
The delegation was led by Mar Meelis Zaia, Archbishop of the Assyrian Church of the East, who conveyed the Patriarch’s greetings and expressed gratitude to the Kurdistan Region for all the aid and support extended to the displaced Christians. He said that the incidents over the past weeks have been tragic and a bitter experience, but said that it is temporary and hopefully will soon be over.
Members of the delegation discussed relations among the various religious and ethnic communities in Kurdistan and nearby areas, stressing the historic bonds between Kurds and Christians. They hailed the spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence shared by different communities throughout Kurdistan because Kurds, too, have endured similar struggles. The Archbishop expressed confidence that the culture of harmonious coexistence would remain and that this legacy would continue.
Prime Minister Barzani also highlighted Kurdistan’s culture of tolerance, explaining that the various communities in Kurdish society are important and peaceful coexistence is an essential principle for the people of Kurdistan, who have always valued their diverse communities. He added that the events that have recently befallen Christians and other minorities are absolutely tragic and emphasised that all communities stand together in this fight – all are committed to remain together, as the future is shared by all of the people of Kurdistan.
The Prime Minister noted the special place of the Christian community in Kurdistan’s society. The tragic incidents of the past weeks have been awful, and this has encouraged all components of society to work harder to build a better future for everyone in Kurdistan. He reassured members of the delegation that the KRG and the people of Kurdistan are exerting every effort to provide safety, security, and dignity to members of all communities.
Finally, members of the delegation restated that internationally they have always called for further support for the Kurdistan Region and its government to promote prosperity, investment, and a better quality of life in the Region. The Archbishop also reiterated his community’s gratitude and appreciation for the role of the Peshmerga forces and their sacrifices, adding that everyone is proud of them and that their actions will not be forgotten.