ERBIL — Kurdish leader and former president of Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, said on Tuesday that the Yezidis should be given the chance to decide on their fate themselves.

Barzani issued an official statement to congratulate the Yezidis on their religious new year, known as Charshamba Sor (Red Wednesday).

The Kurdish leader also shed light on the hard times for Yezidis in the past few years during the Islamic State (IS) crisis, saying that the crimes committed by terrorists against the Kurdish religious minority were unprecedented in history.

“I support my Yezidi brothers and sisters’ plea. We have to all help them decide on their fate and future themselves,” reads the statement.

“On this occasion, I ensure Yezidi brothers and sisters, and all other components, that Kurdistan is the land for coexistence, and this spirit of peace and brotherhood should further grow,” the statement added.

On Wednesday, 17th April, Yezidis in Kurdistan and around the world celebrate their religious New Year. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced the day as a public holiday this year.

Bas News