European Syriac Union and Bethnahrin National Council brief Austrian MP Gudrun Kugler on national struggle and request support

VIENNA — On Thursday, representatives of the European Syriac Union (ESU) met with Dr. Gudrun Kugler, Member of Parliament for the Austrian People’s Party (Österreichische Volkspartei – ÖVP), to discuss the situation and latest developments concerning the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people across the regions of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia). 

The meeting, held at the Austrian Parliament in Vienna, included Leyla Bahdi, an ESU official, and Ayfer Gabriel, Head of Foreign Affairs for the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB). 

During the discussion, Gabriel and Bahdi briefed Dr. Kugler — an expert in law, human rights, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) — on the activities of the MUB and its European counterpart, the ESU. They detailed the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, including killings, massacres, denial of identity, and widespread migration that has resulted in a significant diaspora. 

The delegation highlighted the ESU’s 21-year journey as a vital bridge between the homeland and the diaspora. They emphasized its success in advocating for Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) rights in international forums and shaping global public opinion on their plight. 

Additionally, Gabriel and Bahdi outlined requests for Austrian government support, particularly regarding political and humanitarian aid to war-torn Syria. They concluded the meeting by presenting Dr. Kugler with a comprehensive dossier on the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, documenting their struggles and aspirations for justice and recognition. 

Dr. Kugler, a prominent ÖVP spokesperson on human rights issues, expressed appreciation for the insights shared and pledged to review the information and explore potential avenues of support.