Suraye national political parties meet with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Political Bureau in Arba’ilo (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq

ARBA’ILO, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Political representatives of the Suraye (Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian) community in Iraq met with the Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Arba’ilo (Erbil) to discuss pressing issues affecting their community and the broader region.

The meeting focused on the general political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), recent political developments, and their impact on all ethnic and religious communities in the country. The Suraye parties outlined their stance on the political and electoral process in the KRI, explaining their boycott of last October’s parliamentary elections.

This boycott followed the Federal Court’s controversial cancellation of quota seats reserved for their community, which were subsequently reinstated under conditions they deemed unfair and unrepresentative of their demographic realities. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of restrictions ensuring that only members of their community could vote for these seats, allowing larger political blocs to dominate the process.

The parties raised additional concerns regarding unresolved land encroachments, a longstanding issue that has fueled mass migration from their ancestral lands. They emphasized the urgent need for resolution to safeguard the community’s future.

Another significant topic of discussion was the situation in the Ankawa district, where local leaders have voiced concerns over the proliferation of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues, which they believe undermine the area’s cultural and social fabric by promoting behavior contrary to its traditions.

Darbaz Kosrat Rasool, representing the PUK, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to minority rights, emphasizing their constitutional and legal protections. He praised the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community for its positive contributions to the KRI and expressed solidarity with their struggles, recognizing their shared history and cooperation with the Kurdish people through challenging times.