WCA holds extra-ordinary meeting with Turkey's Foreign Minister
The World Council of Arameans (Syriacs) (“WCA”) had an extra-ordinary meeting with H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, on 29 May 2018 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The high-level delegation consisted of the WCA President Johny Messo, the WCA Vice-President Shleimun Ego, the WCA Director for UN Affairs Sarah Bakir and the Chairman of the Aramean Federation of Switzerland Melki Toprak.
Turkish Bill Sees Return of 55 Aramean Christian Properties in Mardin
The St. Gabriel Foundation, which manages a good deal of at least 110 confiscated Aramean Christian properties in 2017, received today 50 of the 55 returned title deeds from the Turkish Government. Recently, parliament voted in favor of a bill dealing with the return of these assets after the expansion of the municipality of Mardin, a city in Southeast Turkey.
New Turkish bill and European Parliament Resolution on Christian property issues
The European Parliament has expressed its concerns over the more than 50 seized Aramean churches, monasteries and other assets in Turkey. Yesterday’s adopted resolution calls on the European Commission to raise this issue with Turkey. Meanwhile, the state’s officials and Aramean representatives are negotiating a bill to return the confiscated properties.
Kurdish YPG/Asayish Forces Once Again Kidnap Christians in Northeast Syria
In the last two weeks, the Kurdish YPG and security (Asayesh) forces kidnapped several young Arameans in Northeast Syria. The armed forces of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) continue to conscript them against their will, sending them to battle fields to fight and risk their lives in the frontline in Syria – not for peace, but for an envisioned ‘West Kurdistan’.
WCA Meets with UNESCO to Preserve the Endangered Aramaic Language
Following a recent request, WCA met with UNESCO at its headquarters in Paris on 26 April 2018 to discuss the endangered Aramean cultural heritage, especially the Aramaic language.
Video Shows Christian Property in Syria Seized by Kurdish Forces
As a Western ally in the fight against ISIS, Syria’s Kurdish PYD (Democratic Union Party) has been vigorously presenting itself as an advocate of peace, democracy and ethno-religious pluralism. Its actions on the ground, however, especially its treatment of the dwindling indigenous populations, fly in the face of international law and debunk its idyllic portrayal.
Video Courtesy of Eddie Gaboro Hanna (photo)
WCA President speaks at 3rd International Conference on Victims of Religious and Ethnic Violence in the Middle East
On Monday 14 May 2018, the Belgian and Lebanese Ministers for Foreign Affairs organised the 3rd International Ministerial Conference on the Victims of Religious and Ethnic Violence in the Middle East. The WCA was requested to speak on the situation of the native Aramean Christians in the Middle East.
Invite to mark fifth anniversary of Mor Gregorius Yohanna Ibrahim's Abduction
22 April 2013 – 22 April 2018
On behalf of the World Council of Arameans (Syriacs) (“WCA”), we cordially invite you to participate in a symposium to mark the lapse of five years since the abduction of the Metropolitans of Aleppo, Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi, who were kidnapped on 22 April 2013.
Kurdish YPG / Asayesh Forces Kidnapped More Aramean Christians in Northeast Syria
The Kurdish YPG/Asayesh forces have begun to intensify their ongoing intimidations and threats towards Christians in Northeast Syria. They are now increasingly kidnapping and conscripting teenagers with the intention to send them to the frontline in places like Afrin.
Photo: courtesy of Waarmedia.com
