June 8, 2002

The Assyrians (Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Syriacs) are the indigenous people of Iraq with a continuous history spanning over 7,000 years. Assyrian contributions to civilization and innovation throughout Iraqi history are unparalleled.

Unfortunately, in recent history, Assyrians in Iraq have suffered persecution additional to that endured by other Iraqis including the denial of recognition of Assyrians as a distinct people. Till now, even though Assyrians constitute the third largest demographic group in Iraq, Assyrians are still not constitutionally recognized as a people.

Although Assyrians remain deeply committed to democratic change in Iraq, often times, Assyrian enthusiasm for some elements within the Iraqi opposition has been tempered by the lack of fair representation and inclusion. Not only are Assyrians often excluded from opposition meetings, but when insufficient token representation is conceded, it usually does not reflect the will or choice of the Assyrian people but rather that of other members of the opposition.

We, as Iraqis committed to real and substantive change in Iraq, are being closely watched by the entire international community for our adherence to basic principles of democracy and pluralism. In the past, international support for some groups has waned precisely because these groups were not seen as fairly representative as they failed to match their political rhetoric with real democratic practice. The true litmus test for a free and democratic Iraq remains essentially and inextricably based on the fair recognition and inclusion of all of its peoples. Assyrians are unable and unwilling to support any opposition group or envisioned future Iraqi governmental reform that does not entail the fundamental rights of recognition and broad-based fair representation.

The Assyrian Coalition consists of five major Assyrian political organizations that represent millions of Assyrians worldwide. Through the Assyrian Coalition, Assyrians remain determined and committed to participate in forging a brighter future for all Iraqis through a free, sovereign, and truly democratic government. As representatives of the largest demographic group of Iraqis within the United States, the Assyrian Coalition remains committed to engaging and encouraging the United States and European governments to recognize and vigorously support those groups that genuinely understand and practice these fundamental principles of democracy.