Syriac Member of Turkish Parliament meets with diaspora leaders in Sweden to unify diplomatic efforts

SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden — Responding to an invitation extended by the Syriac Orthodox Mar Yaqub al- Nusaybini Cathedral in Södertälje, Sweden, representatives from various Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) institutions and parties convened to engage with Syriac Member of Turkish Parliament George Aslan (Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, HEDEP).

During the meeting, Aslan outlined the avenues available to him for supporting the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community in the European Parliament. He called for a collective effort, urging all sectors of the community to unify their diplomatic endeavors by establishing a collaborative committee to articulate their shared demands.

Sargon Adam, Vice President of the Mar Yaqub al-Nusaybini Church Council, extended a warm welcome to Aslan, expressing the community’s satisfaction with having him as their parliamentary representative. Adam acknowledged the distinguished efforts of previous representatives, Tuma Çelik and Erol Dora, who have significantly contributed to serving the community’s interests.

In response to the request to outline his completed and future work program, Aslan emphasized that although he is only one of 600 Turkish representatives, he is committed to amplifying the voice of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and conveying their demands to the Turkish government through the HEDEP.

During the session, Aslan highlighted the challenges faced by livestock herders in the villages of Mount Izla, addressing ongoing attacks on Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) properties and land rights. The discussion extended to various issues affecting other Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) villages in Turkey.

Engaging in a dialogue session with representatives of the European Syriac Union, the Assyrian Democratic Organization, the Assyrian Union in Sweden, and the Assyrian Club in Södertälje, Aslan stressed the importance of forming a unified committee for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) diaspora in Europe. This committee, he suggested, should represent the diverse institutions and parties of the community, functioning as a Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) lobby to advocate for their demands in various global parliaments.

The meeting also delved into topics such as the Lausanne Agreement and other pressing concerns of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. In conclusion, attendees extended their congratulations to Aslan and commemorated the occasion with a group photo.