Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian MPs in letter to designate Iraqi PM al-Kadhimi: We refuse marginalization

BAGHDAD — Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian Members of Iraqi Parliament sent a letter to designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi in which they complain about Christian marginalization in Iraq. The letter was sent by MPs Rehan Hanna (Erbil, Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian Popular Council), Hoshyar Qardagh Yalda (Erbil, Chaldean Coalition), Aswan Salem (Nineveh, Babylon Movement) and Baida Khidir (Dohuk, Babylon Movement) stressing that Christians, along with other components, have always contributed to defending Iraq and preserving its territorial integrity as well as combating terrorism.

In the letter, Iraqi Christian representatives addressed designate PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi:

“While we were awaiting the appointment of a new prime minister according to the constitutional framework and while we are trying to save Iraq from epidemic, political and economic crises, which threaten the state and society, we are hopeful the government void will be filled through your assignment to form a new business administration by the outgoing PM. While we reject denominational and partisan quotas, we stress the importance of preserving the electoral balance and merit consistent with the demands of the people and electoral blocks. However, we have been surprised by a severe marginalization of one of the most important indigenous components of Iraq and consider this a disregard of its electoral and parliamentary entitlements.”

“The indigenous Christian component has been targeted by terrorists to empty Iraq from its Christians. We, however, have taken our national responsibility to stop Christian immigration. Moreover, the sons of the Christian component, just like the Shia, Sunni, Kurdish and other components, have participated in defending Iraq. Defending our country is an obligation and an honor, not a favor,” the MP’s letter added.

The Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian MPs stressed the need to listen to the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian Christian voice in the Iraqi Council of Representatives. If the government’s marginalization continues different political positions will be taken.

According to the Iraqi constitution, the Chaldean-Syriac-Christian component occupies five seats in Iraqi parliament. The fifth seat is held by Yonadam Kanna (Al-Rafidain).