The Largest Assyrian-Chaldean Demonstration in Northern Iraq

Dohuk (Nuhedra)
Rivan Hakim
Ankawa.com

October 3, 08

Computer translation from Arabic

Assyrians-Chaldeans from various villages and provinces of Nineveh, began their massive demonstration in Dohuk near the Azadi hospital by chanting slogans and carrying banners, placards to express their indignation against depriving them the right to elect their own representatives in the provinces they reside. The protestors demanded autonomy for the Assyrians Chaldean Syriac in the areas of their ancestral home.

The protestors later left the streets and entered into the Douk's soccer stadium. Mr. Jameel Zito President of the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac welcomed the crowd, he was followed by other speakers; Mr. Kuris Shilmon Wardoni Deputy Governor of Dohuk, Mr. Fadel, head of the province of Dohuk .
We had quick interview with a number of demonstrators. first we spoke with Mr. Shamsuddin Kuris First Deputy President of the the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac who said the following: --

"We of course strongly condemn this article which cancels our rights of governmental representation in provinces where our people live in large numbers." Mr. Jameel President of the Council, demanded national self-government for Assyrians Chaldeans Syriacs specifically in areas where they have lived for thousands of years.

"Our rights to elect our own representation has been denied therefore we demand our right to self-government, because this is the only way to ensure our rights in our homeland."
It should be noted that this mass demonstration is part of a series of protests by the sons of our people after the Council organized others; the first of which was in the town of in Qosh, then in Karabakh, later in Tell-esqope, today in Dohuk, we expect similar protest in the next few days in other places.

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