Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian parties in Iraq discuss mechanism of joint action and formation of joint delegation to meet with political actors

ANKAWA, Iraq — Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian parties discussed the demands that were approved during the previous meetings, and discussed a mechanism of joint action among them that includes all spectra, to explain the viewpoint of our parties to the public opinion.

On Saturday, representatives of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties met at the headquarters of the Assyrian National Party in Ankawa, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), and to discuss the joint demands they had approved during previous meetings. They also discussed the reactions to the press conference organized by the assembled parties last week in which they demanded an increase in the number of quota seats in the Kurdistan Region Parliament.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), the Assyrian Democratic Movement, Abnaa al-Nahrain Party, and the Assyrian National Party.

The gathered parties discussed the mechanism of action in the future and the defense of the legitimate demands of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia).

During the meeting, the representatives suggested the formation of a joint delegation to meet with political parties and attend important events, meet with clergy from various Churches, and publicly explain their demands.

In an interview with Suroyo TV, the Deputy Head of the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) Josef Sliwa discussed the recent developments in Iraq and clarified the demands of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties regarding the law of minority quota seats.

The deteriorating security situation in the country has a profoundly negative impact on the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people in Iraq and threatens their already precarious presence in their homeland. The fighting and security incidents must end, said Sliwa, and early elections should be held.

Regarding the representation of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties in the Parliament of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region Parliament, Sliwa said that the current conception of democracy in Iraqi law has become an obstacle to the future existence of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people in the country. Current representation is superficial, with Sunni and Shia blocs manipulating voting and electing puppet representatives, he stated.

Therefore, reform of the quota law is needed, said Sliwa. Special days should be set aside for voting on minority quota seats, with only members of each community able to vote for candidates on their representative list, he added.