At the KRG Representation in Italy, the Kurdish New Year is celebrated and the genocide is commemorated.

The Representation of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq in Italy organized a reception on March 26, 2014, to celebrate the Kurdish New Year "Nawroz" and to commemorate the genocide of the Kurdish people. The evening opened with a welcome message from the High Representative, Dr. Rezan Kader, who thanked all the distinguished guests for honoring these two important events with their presence. March 16 marks the anniversary of the genocide of the Kurdish people, specifically the bombing of the city of Halabja with nerve gas, which resulted in the deaths of 5,000 Kurds and serious repercussions for genetic diseases. March 21, on the other hand, marks the New Year, which coincides with the beginning of spring, a symbol of rebirth. Dr. Kader invited all guests to pause and reflect on the images projected on the genocide and to support the cause of recognizing the genocide of the Kurdish people, so that such heinous crimes may never be repeated throughout history. The Kurdistan Regional Government will also be a point of reference for the international community in maintaining peace and stability in the world, and in spreading values ​​such as respect for democracy and solidarity and brotherhood among peoples regardless of ethnic and religious differences.

The High Representative then gave the floor to Senator Lucio Malan, Quaestor of the Kurdistan Region. He extended his warmest wishes for Nawroz to the Kurdish people and thanked the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region and the Government for the assistance provided both to Christian families persecuted in the Middle East and to Syrian refugees. This support, so significant from such a small region, deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Furthermore, Senator Malan emphasized the unique ability of the Presidency and the Kurdistan Regional Government to create such an advanced statute, which guarantees not only special autonomy but also respect for democracy, women's rights, and religious freedom.
Finally, Senator Malan read the greeting from Pierferdinando Casini, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, who was unable to attend the event due to parliamentary commitments. “The Halabja massacre is one of the darkest pages in human history; it was the culmination of Saddam Hussein's genocidal campaign "Anfal," which resulted in the killing of over 182,000 Kurds. It was a massacre that continues to move the world, and its scars and consequences unfortunately linger today. It is a memory that deeply moves us, and it is a moral duty to cultivate it.” President Casini referred to the solid friendship between Italy and the Kurdistan Region, strengthened by fruitful collaboration and exchanges in the economic, commercial, cultural, scientific, archaeological, and academic fields. He finally thanked the Presidency and the Regional Government for the significant support offered to tens of thousands of Christian families fleeing persecution in the Middle East, especially in the rest of Iraq, and to Syrians fleeing the current terrible conflict.
Senator Malan was followed by Father Sergio Mercanzin, who conveyed the Church's gratitude and appreciation for the strong spirit of brotherhood and solidarity demonstrated by the Presidency, the Regional Government, and the Kurdish people themselves toward their fellow Christians and, more recently, toward Syrian refugees. A strong bond of friendship exists between the Holy See and the Kurdistan Region precisely because of this shared human values. As evidence of this, President Barzani was received five times by the former Pope, and a visit to His Holiness Pope Francis is now being organized.

Dr. Kader then handed the floor to Dr. Stefano Thaulero, spokesperson for the President of the Senate Human Rights Committee, Luigi Manconi. "Celebrations like today's must serve as a wake-up call and an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring, together, respect for the rights of the Kurdish people and their individual members."
Finally, Dr. Sara Cavelli, director of the Italian Society for International Organization, read a greeting from SIOI President Franco Frattini: "After so much pain, a future of joy has already begun in Iraqi Kurdistan, and this Representation of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Italy represents an important step in consolidating and further developing the path of tolerance, respect, and growth that the people of Iraqi Kurdistan are pursuing with commitment and dedication. SIOI stands by you in this complex challenge."

Dr. Kader concluded by thanking all the distinguished guests, including Italian government officials, Senator Malan, the Hon. Osvaldo Napoli, Councilor Alessandro Monti of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monsignor Alberto Ortega Martin, Official of the Secretariat of State for Relations with States, representatives of the Senate Human Rights Commission, representatives of embassies such as the American Embassy, ​​regional representatives such as Andrea Lignani Marchesani, Vice President of the Regional Council of Umbria, Architect Flora Salvi of the Sicily Region, Amalia Daniela Renosto, Representative of the Quebec Delegation in Rome, Minister Massimo Rustico of ANCE, Sara Cavelli, Director of SIOI, representatives of military institutions such as Col. Cincotta and Admiral Berutti Bergotto, EURISPES President Prof. Gian Maria Fara, the delegation of the DIACO Association, and other academics and journalists.
Many officials gave interviews before toasting the New Year together with a rich buffet of typical Kurdish delicacies.