HBA President Joseph Sliwa discusses Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian cultural rights in meeting with Dr. Arif al-Saadi, Cultural Affairs Advisor to Iraqi PM

BAGHDAD – Bethnahrin Patriotic Union Party President Joseph Sliwa met with Dr. Arif al-Saadi, Advisor on Cultural Affairs to the Iraqi Prime Minister, on Thursday to discuss Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian cultural rights. The meeting took place at the Cultural Affairs Center in the capital Baghdad.

The two sides exchanged views on Iraqi cultural affairs in general, Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian cultural affairs in particular, and on broader support from the Directorate General of Cultural Affairs for the latter’s cultural rights. The meeting also covered issues of a political nature, the many challenges that Iraq faces today, the future in light of developments on the ground and their impact on cultural affairs.

Al-Saadi praised Sliwa’s role in defending the rights of different components through various means and on multiple issues. Al-Saadi promised to support the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian culture, as it is an important part of the culture of Iraq.

Chaldeans-Syriacs-Assyrians

The Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people are an indigenous people of Iraq with a long history stretching thousands of years. They have contributed immensely to the cultural construction of the country. Under every stone lies a wealth of Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian civilization, which laid the foundation for the country, and broader the Middle East

In a few days, the Chaldeans-Syriacs-Assyrians will celebrate their spring festival “1 Nison” or Akitu. Despite many attempts, this festival celebrated since thousands of years has not yet been fully legally recognized, something that the Chaldeans-Syriacs-Assyrians do strive for.