STATEMENT BY THE ASSYRIA LIBERATION PARTY ON THE OCCASION OF THE ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR 6776

April 1st is more than just the beginning of the calendar year – it is a symbol of the rebirth of the Assyrian people, their connection to their ancient roots and their dignified presence on the historical stage. The Assyrian New Year is a powerful symbol of our millennia-old civilization.

Today, the Assyrian people have managed to preserve their identity on their land, despite all manner of difficulties, migration, oppression, and marginalization. This is not only resistance – it is also a strong will to survive.

Unfortunately this year citing security concerns the existing regimes banned official New Year's events in the lands of historical Assyria. However a few days earlier some groups were not restricted in their activities and pompously held their own events in both indoor and outdoor venues. This situation clearly demonstrates the practice of double standards in the country.                                                                    

We as the Assyria Liberation Party are convinced that the Assyrian people should not be guests in their own land, expecting handouts from local regimes. The Assyrian people are the indigenous and state-forming people of modern Iraq, entitled to a dignified, free and secure life on their own land. In this context we express the fundamental demands of the Assyrian people, namely:

1. Ensuring the right to establish administrative and political autonomy on the Nineveh Plain in which the Assyrian people will have their own self-governing bodies.

2. Recognition of the right of the Assyrian people to form and maintain their own security and law enforcement forces whose primary task will be to guarantee the security of our people.

3. Guaranteeing the dignified return of forcibly displaced persons and the full restoration of their property and social rights.

4. Preservation and development of the Assyrian language and culture as well as guaranteeing its use in the education system and government institutions.

5. Strengthening the right to political representation ensuring genuine and effective representation of the Assyrian people in the Iraqi and regional administrations.

Like our ancestors on April 1st, we must once again strengthen our spirit of unity put our differences behind us, and stand shoulder to shoulder to defend our future. History has shown that division breeds weakness while unity breeds strength.

Addressing our youth, we ask them not to forget their roots, to cherish their language and to proudly carry their identity. The future will be in your hands.

Addressing a long-deafened international community, we demand recognition of the right to existence of the ancient Assyrian people as well as guarantees of international security for our people in Iraq, Syria and Iran.

With these feelings and thoughts we celebrate the 6776th Assyrian New Year and wish for a bright future full of freedom, unity, and honor for all our people.

Standing on the threshold of the Bright Resurrection of Christ (Easter) the main holiday of the entire Christian world we hope that this holy day will become the occasion for an end to wars throughout the world.

Long live the sacred struggle of the Assyrian people for unity and freedom!

ASSYRIA LIBERATION PARTY

31.03.6775/01.04.6776