The
Hague (AINA) -- A hearing on the situation of Assyrians in Iraq was held at the
Dutch Parliament on Thursday. Participants included representatives from seven
Dutch political parties and three Assyrian representatives from Iraq, Ashur
Sargon Eskrya, Yacoub Gewargis and Dr. Srood Maqdasi. The Assyrian
representatives called attention to the continuing expropriation of Assyrian
lands by Kurds, the internally displaced Assyrians still living in refugee
camps, the need for Assyrian security forces to protect Assyrian lands, a safe
haven for Assyrians, Yazidis and Shabaks, the return of Assyrians to their
homes and villages in the Nineveh Plains and financial aid for internally
displaced Assyrians.
The hearing was organized by the Assyrian Federation Netherlands.
Dr. Maqdasi said the Kurds and Arabs should stop interfering with Assyrians,
Yazidis and Shabaks and leave them to organize themselves and protect their own
communities.
Dani Dabbous, member of the Assyrian Federation Netherlands, said one of the
goals of the conferences was to raise awareness about Assyrians in Iraq and to
fight discrimination, harassment and encroachment on Assyrian lands by Kurds
and Arabs.
A demonstration was held simultaneously outside The Hague.
ISIS captured the city of Mosul, Iraq on June 10. On August 7th it drove
into the Nineveh Plains, the last stronghold of Assyrians in Iraq, forcing
200,000 Assyrians to flee their homes and villages. Most have not returned.
AINA)
