AINA News
Assyrian Federation of Sweden Visits Assyrian Refugees in North Iraq
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Tony Meshko (L) with an elderly Assyrian refugee in North Iraq.
North Iraq (AINA) -- Members of the Assyrian Federation of Sweden visited North Iraq between November 2nd and 6th to assess the situation of the Assyrian refugees. The delegation met with representatives of Assyrian organizations and internally displaced Assyrians in Arbel and Dohuk (Assyrian Noohadra). They were also able to visit the towns of Alqosh and Sharafiya in the Nineveh plain, the only towns with a remaining Assyrian population.

"I was moved by the young people who are determined to stay and fight for their land," said Tony Meshko, vice chairman of the Assyrian Federation of Sweden. "The hardships have pushed some to leave but many are eager to safeguard the Assyrian presence in the land of their ancestors."

Nearly 200,000 Assyrians were internally displaced after the Islamic states sweeping advance in Mosul and the Nineveh plain earlier this year. With winter approaching many of the refugees will face great difficulties to withstand the cold.



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