Media Release
Date: July 12, 2024
Sydney, Australia – The Assyrian National Council - Australia (ANCA) strongly condemns the failure of the Iraqi government to protect Assyrian communities in northern Iraq amidst ongoing Kurdish aggression and occupation of Assyrian lands. Recent military incursions by Turkish forces, facilitated by the Iraqi and Kurdish governments, have escalated conflicts in regions where Assyrian civilians reside. This has resulted in significant harm and insecurity for innocent Assyrian families, who are now caught in the crossfire without adequate protection or support.
"The continued Kurdish aggression and occupation of Assyrian lands, coupled with the Iraqi government's lack of responsibility, have left our communities vulnerable and endangered," said Hermiz Shahen, representative of the Assyrian National Council - Australia. "This situation is unacceptable, and immediate action is required to safeguard the lives and well-being of Assyrian civilians."
The Iraqi authorities have officially approved the incursion of Turkish forces into their territory, signalling significant concessions to Turkey regarding Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. During Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Baghdad on April 22, both countries signed a joint security agreement allowing Turkey to conduct military operations against the PKK deep within Iraqi territory. In return, Iraq will receive increased water flow from Turkey.
"This deal aligns the Iraqi authorities with the genocidal policies of the Turkish state against the Assyrians and other minorities in the region," Shahen continued. "This agreement is comparable to the invasion of Cyprus and the annexation of Syria's Iskenderun province to Turkey."
The ANCA has written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, urging the Australian Government to take urgent and decisive steps to address this critical situation and advocate for the protection of Assyrian communities in northern Iraq. The international community must not ignore the plight of the Assyrians, who are facing severe threats to their safety and security.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact: info@ancau.org
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