European Syriac Union celebrates progress towards Sayfo recognition in France

PARIS — Fehmi Vergili, Co-Chair of the European Syriac Union, spoke to Suroyo TV from Paris, detailing the proceedings of the voting session on the Sayfo recognition in the French National Assembly.

Vergili highlighted the longstanding efforts of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) organizations and institutions to secure international recognition of the 1915 Sayfo Genocide, spanning back to 1995.

He emphasized the ESU’s dedicated work, urging European countries, governments, and parliaments to acknowledge the Sayfo through telegrams and advocacy.

Referring to ESU’s participation in a recent event organized by the Association of Assyrian-Chaldeans in France, Vergili noted former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s significant speech on the Sayfo during which he urged current President Emmanuel Macron to recognize the genocide.

Vergili commended the efforts of academics and researchers, especially those from the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community, for their diligent documentation of the Sayfo Genocide.

He praised French MPs for their supportive speeches during the National Assembly session, advocating for Sayfo recognition and the rights of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in their homeland of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia).

Vergili expressed hope that France’s decision would be enshrined in law and integrated into the school curriculum, setting an example for other nations to follow suit.

He extended congratulations to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community on this historic victory, seeing it as a pivotal step towards broader international recognition of the Sayfo Genocide.