Co-President of European Syriac Union conducts series of visits in Iraq

NINEVEH PLAINS, Beth Nahrin – As part of her visit to Iraq, Manuela Demir, Co-President of the European Syriac Union (ESU), met with Syriac Catholic Archbishop Benedictus Younan Hanno. Demir was accompanied by a delegation of leaders from the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d’Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) and the Beth Nahrain Women’s Organization (BNOW). The discussions focused on the current situation of the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people in Iraq, the challenges they face, and ways to strengthen coordination between communities in the homeland and the diaspora.

Demir and Archbishop Hanno held an in-depth conversation about preserving national identity and the importance of enhancing the community’s presence amid growing challenges. Demir also met with the leadership of the HBA and the BNOW and took part in the funeral service of the late Bishop of Alqosh for the Chaldean Church Thabet Boulos Habib Mako who passed away on June 18.

Additionally, Demir participated in an event held in Baghdeda and the Nineveh Plain, organized by the HBA to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Bethnahrin National Council’s national struggle (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB). The event included participation from Bethnahrin Youth, representatives of the Bethnahrin Women’s Union and the BNOW, as well as members and supporters of the MUB from the region.

Speeches delivered during the celebration emphasized the importance of community involvement in national matters, the need for unity and coordinated efforts, and the protection of the cultural and national existence of the Syriac-Assyrian-Chaldean people.

During her program in Iraq, Demir also visited the HBA’s Youth organization and attended lectures and training sessions conducted for its members.