Iraq's Communications Advisor Elî Elfacî spoke to ANF about the increasingly ongoing Turkish attacks on Iraqi territory and the Iraqi government's silence and inaction.

Elfacî emphasized the importance of dialogue among minorities in order to strengthen the status of minorities in Iraq and reintegrate them into Iraqi society. “Dialogue among minorities in Iraq is important. Iraq's minority nations are an important part of society,” he said.

Elfacî reminded of the Iraqi Supreme Court's decision that the quotas granted to Yazidi, Shabak and Fayli Kurds in the Iraqi Parliament is unconstitutional. “The quota problem in the Iraqi parliament divides the Iraqi people. Iraqi officials are also divided based on nation, faith and sect. Iraq should be a single homeland and there should be no room for discrimination,” he underlined.

WE WILL NOT STEP BACK

Elfacî pointed out that minorities such as Fayli and Yazidi Kurds are persecuted. He continued, “It is very important that we raise our voices through conferences and dialogue. We will not remain silent, and we will not back down. We will not step back until we reach our goal. We will remain in touch with non-governmental organizations and the media.”

Elfacî also recalled that the Turkish army is shelling certain regions in Iraq each day, adding, “The silence of the Iraqi government towards Turkish bombardments is shameful. This silence is an indication of the weakness and inability of the Iraqi state and government. The Iraqi government could at least activate its air defence system and show Turkey that Iraq has power and can maintain its sovereignty. Some say that the silence towards Turkish attacks on Iraqi soil is due to the weakness of the government, as others argue that Turkey and Iraq may have concluded an agreement behind the scenes."