Barzani meets Chaldean Patriarch in Erbil, discusses Christian rights

ERBIL, Iraq — Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani met on Monday with Patriarch Mar Paulus Nona III of the Chaldean Catholic Church of Iraq and the World in Erbil, discussing the situation of Christians and other Iraqi communities. The two leaders stressed the importance of strengthening a culture of coexistence and safeguarding diversity, according to a statement from Barzani's office. During the meeting, Patriarch Nona thanked Barzani for his continued efforts to protect and support the rights of Christians. The Patriarch also expressed appreciation for Barzani's role in strengthening ties of fraternity and harmony among communities in the Kurdistan Region. Barzani said the Kurdistan Region's components have made shared sacrifices and that the culture of coexistence is a source of pride for the region. He added that all communities in the area stand together in good times and bad, and reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region will remain a home of coexistence, fraternity and harmony, protecting the rights of all its components.