Representative of European Syriac Union Shleymun Rhawi criticizes Swiss preparatory committee for Lausanne Centenary Commemoration for excluding non-Kurdish national perspectives

BRUSSELS — In an interview on Medya Haber TV channel about the centennial of the Treaty of Lausanne, representative of European Syriac Union Shleymun Rhawi voiced the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) their rejection of the agreement, citing concerns that it primarily serves Turkey’s interests. Additionally, Rhawi criticized the countries involved in observing the agreement, stating that they remained silent and failed to implement its provisions, leading to a lack of benefits for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and other affected communities.

Highlighting the historical struggles faced by the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, Rhawi emphasized the hardships endured, particularly during the 1915 Sayfo Genocide and the subsequent betrayal by Simko Agha, a Kurdish leader responsible for assassinating Patriarch Mor Shimun XIX Benyamin, the military commander of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Hakkari.

Rhawi further explained that Lausanne negotiations took place at a time when the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people were on the verge of extinction due to the violence and betrayals they endured. Despite their efforts to participate by sending three committees to the talks, they were unfortunately ignored and excluded from the decision-making process.

“As a people, we firmly reject this agreement and call for a new one that respects our identity and recognition, similar to the model implemented in North and East Syria,” Rhawi asserted.

The representative strongly criticized the Swiss preparatory committee for the Lausanne Centenary Remembrance, stating that while it was established by the people, it primarily promoted the Kurdish perspective, disregarding the concerns of other ethnic groups. Rhawi deemed this an alarming and unacceptable mistake, likening it to the divisive policies of major powers that aim to sow discord and facilitate the division of lands and homelands.

He also criticized the program presenter for using the term “Rojava” to describe the region of North and East Syria.

“The official name of the region is North and East Syria,” Rhawi stated. “Each ethnic component has the right to call it whatever they want, but circulating one name in the media is unacceptable.”

Rhawi pointed out that the ESU upholds the values of unity among peoples which forms the foundation of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).