(AINA) -- A conference on the Assyrians of Iraq will be held on June 11 at the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels. The conference is organized by the Assyria Council of Europe and chaired by Mr. Dimitrakopolous and Mr. Mladenov, members of EP.

The conference will examine various ways in assisting the Assyrians of Iraq, who have been targeted (report) by Islamists (both Shiites and Al-Qaeda) and have been disproportionately displaced internally and forced to flee the country to Syria and Jordan. It is estimated that 30-40% of Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan (report) are Assyrians (who make up only 8% of Iraq's population).

The following is the conference program:

15.00-15.15 Opening remarks by Esther de Lange MEP
15.15-15.30 Ambassador of Iraq in Brussels

PART ONE (co-chaired by Mr. Dimitrakopoulos MEP) The situation of minorities Iraq

15.30-15.45 Television documentary "situation of Assyrians in Iraq"
15.45-16.00 A general overview of the situation of minorities in Iraq UNHCR tbc
16.00-16.15 The humanitarian needs of Assyrians in Iraq by Mr. Napoleon Patto, Assyrian Aid Society, Iraq
16.15-16.30 EU aid to Iraq by Mrs.Gatt-Rutter of the European Commission
16.30-16.55 Discussion, questions and answers
16.55-17.00 Concluding remarks part one session by Mr. Dimitrakopoulos PART TWO (co-chaired by Mr. Mladenov MEP) Looking towards the future

17.00-17.15 The importance of minorities to the future of Iraq by Willy Fautre Human Rights Without Frontiers
17.15-17.30 Article 125 of Iraqi constitution and the protection of minorities by Michael Youash ISDP, Washington
17.30-17.45 Assyrians: The best solution to stay in their homecountry by Mrs. Pascale Warda, Hammorabi, Human Rights Organization, Iraq
17.45-18.10 Discussion, questions and answers
18.10-18.15 Concluding remarks part two by Mrs. Oomen-Ruijten MEP
18.15-18.30 GENERAL CONCLUDING REMARKS (tbc)
18.30-19.00 Cocktail reception in front of room ASP 5E2