European lawmaker says Europe 'owes a debt' to the Kurds

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A special ceremony was held inside the European Parliament this week to celebrate the Kurdish New Year (Newroz), with European lawmakers highlighting their support for Kurdish rights.

Villy Sovndal, a Member of the European Parliament and former Foreign Minister of Denmark, spoke to Rudaw' Alla Shally, reaffirming Europe’s recognition of the Kurdish people and their sacrifices. He said Europe owes a debt to the Kurds for their role in the fight against ISIS.

"I believe we owe you because of the time when ISIS [Islamic State] existed; you helped us fight them, and nearly 7,000 of your people lost their lives," Sovndal said.

He also emphasized the cultural significance of the ceremony, stating that acknowledging Kurds and celebrating Newroz in the European Parliament sends an important message.

"Like any other people, it is very important for the Kurds to have their own culture, traditions, and festivals. I have participated in Newroz celebrations in most major Danish cities, and my best friends are Kurdish," he said.

He added that Kurds in all four parts of Greater Kurdistan - western Iran, the Kurdistan Region, northeast Syria, and southeast Turkey - must have the right to their mother tongue, their culture, and their own schools.

Sovndal also praised the Kurdistan Region as a rare example of democracy in the Middle East, while criticizing the oppression of Kurds elsewhere. "Mayors should not be in prison," he said regarding Turkey, and in areas of western Iran, known as Rojhelat for the Kurds, he commented: "We are very hopeful that the Kurdish people in northern [western] Iran will have more rights to decide their own destiny."

Addressing the ongoing challenges facing the Kurdistan Region, Sovndal called on Europe to use all diplomatic channels in Brussels and Copenhagen to support Kurdish communities.

"More economic assistance must be offered to Kurdish communities, and every effort should be made to support the daily lives of the Kurdish people" to protect them from the dangers of war, he said.