Bethnahrin National Council marks 24th anniversary of founding, calls for continued national resistance

BETH NAHRIN — The Presidential Committee of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) issued a statement on the 24th anniversary of its founding.

“In 2000, a political, national, and social movement emerged from the inherited values and foundations developed through the intellectual, practical, and organizational struggle that began in the 1980s. During a period of intense conflicts and wars in our region, the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people needed a political perspective and organizational leadership, as well as national resistance. Therefore, the founding of MUB was considered a historic uprising against the policies of the ruling forces in the Middle East, which aimed to destroy the Syriac people,” the statement read.

The MUB highlighted that the will for national struggle, born under harsh living conditions and during the darkest periods in the Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) region, has evolved and grown over the years. It has become a beacon of hope for the diaspora and those in the homeland, showing courage and resistance against the longstanding non-recognition of citizenship and genocide mentality.

“In a time when the values of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people were scattered due to wars and attacks, declaring the power to protect identity and national unity was a firm expression of reclaiming our place in history,” the statement continued.

The MUB emphasized that through the principles of national freedom, relations have been established among all segments of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people across the homeland, fostering awareness and social solidarity. This has led to actions against historical and social injustices and mobilized mass movements.

The MUB stated that the Syriac people’s quest for freedom has been highlighted on the global stage and many political platforms. Efforts to defend national values have led to significant sacrifices, with many martyrs lost in the struggle.

“We have reached an important stage with the efforts of nationalists and the sacrifices of our martyrs. The institutions established, the steps taken, and the prices paid throughout our struggle were meant to meet the needs of the Syriac people, secure their future, and preserve their national status. However, given the ongoing crises, conflicts, and genocidal policies in the region, threats against the Syriac people still persist,” the statement added.

The MUB stressed that the worsening political and economic crises in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey have increased violence and repression. Fascist governments and dictators, with their efforts to maintain racist and religious ideologies, hinder peace and democratic movements, spreading hatred among peoples. To confront developments in the Middle East, the struggle must be based on the philosophy of resistance to represent and defend the people against all forms of aggression.

“On this basis, we invite institutions, organizations, intellectuals, and every individual to fulfill their national responsibilities against the policies of destruction and selflessness practiced against the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. On the 24th anniversary of MUB’s founding, we remember our martyrs and salute our national people and supporters with the hope of freedom,” the MUB concluded.