Former Iraqi MP Joseph Sliwa rejects domination and underestimation of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

ANKAWA, Iraq — Former Syriac Member of the Iraqi Parliament and current Deputy Head of the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) Joseph Sliwa has spoken out against the alleged domination and underestimation of the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian community in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Sliwa’s comments come in response to a statement issued by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in the Iraqi parliament which expressed dissatisfaction with the Babylon Bloc’s statement accusing the KDP of seeking to divide the Christian quota seats into two constituencies, as will be the case with following passage of the new election law, in an effort to seize them.

Sliwa rejected any claims of superiority over the indigenous Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people, stating that their achievements and sacrifices throughout history should not be ignored or obscured by such statements. He emphasized that their modesty about their civilization and sacrifices during dark periods in the region does not mean they accept any domination or guardianship over them.

The Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community has a rich history in the KRI, and their voices should be heard and respected in any decision-making process concerning their representation in parliament, said Sliwa. It is important to recognize and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of all communities in Iraq and the KRI, he added.