Barzani on Halabja Massacre: Iraqi state responsible for the atrocity
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Halabja massacre was carried out by the state of Iraq and is therefore responsible for reparations owed to victims of the atrocity it executed, former Kurdistan Region President, Masoud Barzani, said on Friday.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the Halabja massacre, Barzani conveyed his condolences to the families of victims.
“Today we commemorate the Halabja massacre, at a time when the sufferings of the people of Kurdistan are continuous. I convey my heartfelt message of sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who were killed as a result of the chemical bombardment in Halabja. That memory of loss and grief shall remain in our minds and hearts,” Barzani shared on his official Twitter account.
Barzani held the state of Iraq responsible for the massacre and dues owed to victims.
“While it is true that the Ba’ath Party is no longer in power, that atrocity was carried out under the auspices of the sovereign state of Iraq,” he added. “The Iraqi state is therefore responsible for the massacre in Halabja and the reparations thereof.”
The Halabja chemical attack took place in March 1988, and killed roughly 5,000 people and injured almost 10,000 more. Kurds commemorate the massacre every year by holding special ceremonies and standing in silence for five minutes on the street to pay respect to the victims.
The Iraqi High Criminal Court recognized the Halabja massacre as an act of genocide on March 1, 2010
Editing by Nadia Riva