Bethnahrin Patriotic Union calls on clergy and political leaders to unify Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people in Iraq 

ANKAWA, Iraq — The Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyom, HBA) has called on all clergy and party leaders of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people to take a serious stance against the ethnic cleansing, sectarianism, and partisan divisions that have plagued Iraq since 2005.

In a statement, the HBA emphasized that the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people cannot thrive and stand firm on their ancestral land unless they unite their ranks and speak with one voice. The division currently happening in the Nineveh Plains, one of the last geographies in Iraq with a significant presence of Chaldeans–Syriacs–Assyrians in Iraq, is a cause for great concern and requires collective action and continuous dialogue.

Dialogue sessions should focus on achieving a decent life, positive interaction with all nationalities and minorities in Iraq, and the real participation of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people in the Baghdad and Erbil governments at all security, economic, and political levels, argued the statement.

The HBA statement referred to the Brussels Conference in 2017 and the Beirut Conference for Christians of the Middle East in 2022 as examples of previous serious steps taken by clergy and political actors to address the issues faced by the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people.

The HBA expressed hope that clergy and political leaders will unite the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people, regardless of their communal identity, and take historical steps towards their collective prosperity.