Dutch Parliament Members Express Concern About Kurds Marginalizing Assyrians

MPs Raymond de Roon (L) and Han ten Broeke have spoken in the Dutch Parliament about Kurds marginalizing Assyrians in North Iraq. ( AINA) The Hague (AINA) -- The Assyrian Federation of the Netherlands (AFN) has briefed members of of the Dutch Parliament regarding the situation in Assyrian town of Alqosh, North Iraq. The Kurdish Regional Government illegally replaced the Assyrian mayor of Alqosh with a Kurdish member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (AINA 2017-07-21).

Alqosh is one of the oldest Assyrian towns in Iraq, dating back at least 1500 years, and is predominantly Roman Catholic.

Mr. H. ten Broeke, a member of the Parliament, asked for clarification and expressed concerns about the situation of the Assyrians in Iraq, and in particular Alqosh. He expressed his concerns on Monday and announced that he will continue to follow the developments regarding the situation in Alqosh.

On July 24 another MP, Mr. R. de Roon, spoke to the Minister for Foreign Affairs about possible marginalization of Assyrians in Iraq. He expressed his concerns about the appointment of a Kurd as the mayor of the Alqosh. He asked for understanding regarding the fear of marginalization Assyrians. He requested to bring this issue to the attention of the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities and to insist on self-government for Assyrians.

Mr. D. Dabbous, board member of AFN, said "Alqosh is located in the heartland of the area inhabited predominantly by Assyrians. It is a symbol of the Assyrian cause in general."