A press statement was made in the Yazidi town of Shengal (Sinjar) in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) on Saturday, expressing the people’s readiness to welcome Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

The press statement in Kurdish and Arabic was made by Ebu Sekir, Co-Chair of Shengal Arab Council, and Xwedêda İlyas, Co-Chair of Shengal Autonomous Council.

Not a protest, but a welcome

The press statement said: “As the Yazidi, Arab, Shabak and Shia communities living in Shengal, we have gathered here today to welcome the Prime Minister of Iraq, Shia’ al-Sudani. This will be a historic visit deserved by the people of Shengal, who have been subjected to massacres."

The statement continued: "According to information we have, the Prime Minister was informed that he would be met with protests in Shengal. These allegations are far from reality as we gathered here to welcome him.”

The statement added that al-Sudani was expected to visit Shengal today and meet with the Democratic Autonomous Administration but the visit was cancelled at the last moment.