Bethnahrin National Council concludes annual conference in Switzerland emphasizing national unity and resistance

SWITZERLAND — Under the slogan “National Unity against Genocidal Mentality,” the Administrative Body of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) held its annual conference at the MUB General Headquarters in Switzerland, chaired by MUB President Naim Michael Hadodo.

Via video conference, 121 officials and representatives from various MUB branches in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and the diaspora participated. During the conference, annual reports were presented and reviewed.

The political report analyzed the current situation of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people from historical and contemporary perspectives. It emphasized MUB’s national and social responsibilities, highlighting significant activities and achievements.

Discussions included political, diplomatic, and institutional moves at national and international levels to determine the future of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Activity reports from central institutions and branches for 2023 were evaluated, and work plans for the upcoming period were outlined.

Proposals regarding the structure of the Administrative Body, practical studies, mass events, regional alliances, and international relations were also discussed and decided upon.

In a statement covering the outcomes of the conference, the MUB said:

“The Administrative Body has maintained the philosophy of life and holistic character of MUB’s national freedom path since its establishment. The MUB has defended all Syriac people against narrow, factional, sectarian, and nominal understandings. This was manifested by heroic self-sacrifice and courage in the face of the most violent attacks to ensure loyalty to the homeland. An organizational structure has been established in every part of our homeland, representing the will of the Syriac people on an institutional basis. Through work in all fields and the blood of our martyrs, the foundations of national unity have developed inside and outside the homeland.”

The MUB stressed the importance of developing national unity, a culture of resistance, and strengthening alliances, especially as conflicts and wars in the Middle East intensify.

“The ability of the Syriac people to gain political status and live with their identity in their homeland depends on the nature of the national struggle we will wage,” the statement added. “We will continue to pursue our goals, responding to the resistance demonstrated by our martyrs against betrayals and barbarism imposed on the Syriac people.”

The conference concluded with several decisions, including:

• • Developing and strengthening joint work with institutions and organizations of the Syriac people in line with MUB’s national unity strategy.
  • Initiating preparations for a national conference.
  • Creating platforms for addressing the political situation of the Syriac people in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, and Europe to achieve political unity.
  • Focusing on diplomatic efforts at the national level to mitigate dangers and threats against the Syriac people.

In its closing statement, the MUB called for political and humanitarian support from global public opinion and international forces, urging them to take action to prevent a new catastrophe for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, who have historically faced genocidal attacks and destruction.