Barzani: No Room for Terrorism, Sectarianism, Religious Discrimination in Kurdistan
In his statement, Barzani extended his warmest congratulations to the Christians in Kurdistan, Iraq and across the world and wished them a merry Christmas.
The Christian population in Mosul and Nineveh Plains were forced to flee their areas in the wake of the emergence of the Islamic State (IS) and found a safe haven in the Kurdistan Region.
A number of displaced Christian families returned to their areas in the Nineveh Plains after the Peshmerga forces liberated their areas from IS militants, Barzani said, adding that “But sadly, the Christians were once again displaced on October 16 due to Hashd al-Shaabi’s attack on Nineveh Plains.”
"In Kurdistan terrorism mentality, sectarianism and religious-based discrimination will never have any room. We are all brothers in humanity and no war-mongering power or ideology can damage this brotherhood and coexistence," Barzani assured Christians.
“Kurdistan will remain a safe haven and support for Christians and all other components,” Barzani’s statement reads, adding that ”Peshmerga have defended all entities of the Kurdistan Region by their own blood,”
Barzani highlighted the value of coexistence in Kurdistan, arguing that “the large numbers from all ethnicities and religions who have sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region prove a high value of coexistence among our nation.”
The Christians in Nineveh Plain and central Mosul witnessed huge atrocities by IS militants.
Thousands of Christians resorted to Kurdistan but in general their population is dwindling as many leave Iraq for Europe and the neighboring countries in hopes of a better future.
basnews
