Ishtartv.com - basnews.com

19/06/2026

ERBIL — Chaldean Patriarch Mar Paulus III Nona on Friday praised the Kurdistan Region’s record of religious coexistence and minority protection, describing the region as a place where peaceful living among different communities is a daily reality and an example for the wider region.

Speaking during a visit to Zakho, the head of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and worldwide said the Kurdistan Region has successfully preserved an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony among its diverse ethnic and religious groups despite the challenges facing the broader Middle East.

"The coexistence we see in the Kurdistan Region is not just a political slogan. It is a reality that all communities experience and live every day,” the Patriarch said.

Mar Paulus III Nona expressed gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for their continued support of minority communities and efforts to protect their rights.

He said government support has played an important role in strengthening the confidence of Christians and other minority groups, helping them maintain their presence in their ancestral homeland.

"The support provided by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the Kurdistan Regional Government for protecting the rights of all communities is highly valued,” he said. "Such efforts encourage Christians to remain in their homeland and inspire many who have emigrated to think about returning.”

The Patriarch emphasized that security, stability, and equal rights are essential conditions for reversing migration and encouraging displaced families to return to their communities. He noted that the Kurdistan Region continues to offer a stable environment compared to many parts of the region, making it an attractive destination for returning families.

During his visit, Mar Paulus III Nona also praised Zakho’s rapid urban and economic development, saying the city had undergone remarkable transformation since his previous visits.

"After many years away, I was surprised by the scale of development in Zakho. The city has grown significantly and has become one of the region’s major urban centers,” he said.

The Patriarch highlighted the city’s historic importance to the Chaldean Christian community, noting that many Chaldean families have roots in Zakho and its surrounding villages. He described the city as a symbol of coexistence where different communities have lived side by side for generations.

He expressed confidence that this tradition of coexistence would continue to thrive under the support and policies of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Meanwhile, Gohdar Shekho, head of the Zakho Independent Administration, reaffirmed local authorities’ commitment to supporting all communities and facilitating the return of displaced residents.

Shekho noted that several Christian villages located near the border had been abandoned in recent years due to security concerns and clashes between the PKK and the Turkish military. However, he said authorities have taken steps to create conditions that would allow residents to safely return to their homes.

"We are working to provide all the necessary support for residents who wish to return to their villages,” Shekho said, adding that decisions have already been made to facilitate the process.

He stressed that coexistence has long been part of Zakho’s identity and remains deeply embedded in the city’s social fabric.

The statements by the Patriarch and local officials reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen social cohesion, preserve the region’s religious and cultural diversity, and encourage the return of displaced families as the Kurdistan Region continues to promote stability, development, and coexistence.