Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian political parties in Iraq call for establishment of autonomous Nineveh Plain Province

WASHINGTON D.C. — Three national parties representing the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people in Iraq have called for the creation of a new province in the Nineveh Plain as an autonomous administration for their people in Iraq. The demand comes amid ongoing political developments affecting the indigenous population of Beth Nahrain (Mesopotamia).

A strong voice at the IRF conference

The call for greater political rights was made during the International Religious Freedom Conference in Washington, D.C., organized by the Global Religious Freedom Foundation (GRFF). A delegation from Iraq’s Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian parties attended the conference which took place this week.

شملت مؤسسات ومعاهد دراسات وأبحاث أميركية ودولية وأعضاء في الكونغرس.
وفد أحزاب شعبنا القومية يواصل لقاءاته في العاصمة الأميركية واشنطن.
تفاصيل الخبر في الصور: pic.twitter.com/hXh8qMlJ78

— اتحاد بيث نهرين الوطني-Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (@bethnahrinunion) February 8, 2025

During the conference the Secretary-General of the Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa), Yaqub Gewargis, delivered a speech on behalf of the five parties making up the Atra-Alliance, being the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), the Assyrian Patriotic Party (Atranaya), the Beth Nahrain Union Party, Zowaa, and the Chaldean Syriac Assyrian Popular Council (Motwa).

A call for Self-governance and security

In his address, Secretary-General Gewargis emphasized that establishing an autonomous Nineveh Plain province for the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people is an essential step towards ensuring their political and administrative rights as a people. He also stressed the importance of forming local security forces to protect indigenous peoples, preserve their demographic presence, and strengthen their political standing.

Gewargis concluded his remarks by underscoring that these demands were crucial for safeguarding the cultural and religious identity of the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Atra-Alliance in securing a future in their ancestral homeland, Mesopotamia, where they have lived for centuries despite ongoing challenges.