European officials, MEPs send congratulations to Kurds on Newroz

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A joyous celebration of hope and new beginnings, the Kurdish New Year of Newroz symbolizes togetherness and a brighter future for the people of Kurdistan. European officials took the time to send their regards to Kurds around the world who are celebrating the auspicious day.

Efthymios Costopoulos, Consul General of Greece in Erbil, extended his wishes for “happiness and prosperity” for Kurds all over the region and abroad.

Costopoulos said this year’s Newroz “marks a new beginning for everyone” symbolically with the coming of Spring and literally as many things are improving in the region.

Josep-Maria Terricabras, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Republican Left of Catalonia, congratulated the “great, brave” people of Kurdistan as they celebrate Newroz.

“You have suffered a lot, that’s why I wish you a better present…and a great future for you all, an independent, free, and happy future,” he told Kurdistan 24.

David Coburn, an MEP for Scotland, wished Kurds everywhere a “Newroz piroz.”

“I hope everyone in Kurdistan has a good future and a good new year,” Coburn stated.  

“Everybody here is thinking about you, and I hope that your future and the changes you had in your country are for success and that the Kurdish people are happy—it’s what we all want.”

Emmanuel Foulon, the European Parliament spokesperson, wished “a happy new year to all Kurdish people around the world.”

“I wish them the best, and I wish them, especially, a Happy Newroz!”

Nathan Gill, MEP for Wales, described the Kurdish New Year as “a period of regeneration” and “a time of renewal.”

“I would like to wish a happy new year, Newroz piroz, to the Kurds who throughout the world are celebrating this time,” Gill said.

“I think this is a time where the Kurds can look back at their glorious history, but also look forward with hope and with happiness for a brighter future.”

MEP Vladimír Maňka wished his “dear friends,” the Kurds, “all the best, and a bright future.”

Newroz marks the coming of Spring and the start of a new year. The Kurds celebrate the occasion from March 21 to 23 annually.

For the Kurdish people, Newroz is an event which symbolizes their revolution and struggles throughout history. It has also become one of the most common festivals in the region, growing in popularity each year.

(Kurdistan 24 correspondent Barzan Hassan conducted the interviews with the MEPs)