By BASNews
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani on Saturday congratulated the Assyrian and Chaldean communities of federal Iraq on the occasion of the Akitu, the country's Christian new year.
“We send the Assyrians and Chaldeans of our people the best wishes on the occasion of the Akitu Festival. It symbolizes an exceptionally rich cultural and civilizational heritage. It is a testimony of the value of our national diversity that consolidates our unity and prosperity," said al-Sudani in a tweet today.
The Assyrian and Chaldean new year, also known as Akitu or Kha b-Nisan, is traditionally observed on the first of April every year. This festival heralds the start of a new year and the arrival of spring. Christians celebrate Akitu by wearing traditional costumes, holding parties, and serving food.
Ethnic and religious minorities in the Iraqi parliament have been allocated nine quota seats, while they have been assigned 11 quota seats in the Kurdistan Region’s national assembly to allow them to advocate for their rights and freedoms, and also ensure a diverse legislative body.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in a statement on Saturday extended his warmest wishes to the Chaldean and Assyrian community in the Region on their new year, known as Akitu.
"On the occasion of the Babylonian Assyrian new year, I send my warmest congratulations to the Chaldean and Assyrian community in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. I hope this event will bring along peace and prosperity, and mark an end to all hardships," a statement from the prime minister read. "The peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious communities is one of the shining symbols defining the Kurdistan Region. I hope this multiculturalism and harmony would take deeper roots, and hope we can all work together to develop Kurdistan further."
Ethnic and religious minorities in the Kurdistan Region have been allocated 11 quota seats in Kurdistan's national assembly to represent their communities, and ensure an inclusive legislature that reflects all voices irrespective of their ethnic or religious background.
"On the occasion of the Babylonian Assyrian new year, I send my warmest congratulations to the Chaldean and Assyrian community in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. I hope this event will bring along peace and prosperity, and mark an end to all hardships," a statement from the prime minister read. "The peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious communities is one of the shining symbols defining the Kurdistan Region. I hope this multiculturalism and harmony would take deeper roots, and hope we can all work together to develop Kurdistan further."
Ethnic and religious minorities in the Kurdistan Region have been allocated 11 quota seats in Kurdistan's national assembly to represent their communities, and ensure an inclusive legislature that reflects all voices irrespective of their ethnic or religious background.