Shengal Construction Assembly President Xıdır Salih evaluated the preparations for Shengal’s declaration of autonomy for ANF and said that 2017 would be the year of self-administration.

Salih stated that Êzidî people will announce their autonomous administration for the first time in history, and described the refusal to live under the occupation of others as an honorable stance. Salih said "Our society has experienced pain and hardship under the oppression and occupation of others. I can describe today as the day of resurrection. I see that the mothers of martyrs and our mothers have great expectations of us. We promise that we will not fail them and that we will construct a free Shengal and Ezidxan. We will dedicate the autonomy declaration to the mothers that have sacrificed their children to this struggle. We will not backtrack on our struggle and rights.”

"WE WILL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY"

Salih remarked that they will answer the call if people want autonomy, and declare self-administration in Shengal in 2017, noting that this autonomy will be acknowledged by the Iraqi government an all international powers.

“Shengal Construction Assembly is the umbrella organization of the entire Êzidî society. Shengal Assembly is not affiliated with any party or political view. It is the recipient of all aid to be sent to Shengal. Everyone, no matter from which party, should prioritize the interest of Êzidî people if they are to participate in the Construction Assembly. I called upon the Êzidî community to come together and establish the unity of Êzidîs.”

"WE WILL DECLARE IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE"

Salih recalled that the Construction Assembly has been assuming the responsibility of all institutions over the past two years, and would declare Shengal’s autonomy in its third year. He said preparations are underway for the declaration of autonomy in Shengal, which will be made soon.

Lastly, Shengal Construction Assembly President Xıdır Salih said "Our struggle is the struggle of all Êzidîs. It is not just the cause of a political party. This assembly is the assembly of entire Shengal. Everyone that wants to live freely should be able to support this autonomy project. This project is for the future of Ezidxan children."