US Congressman sends message of hope to Kurds, supports independence

A United States Congressman recently pledged his support for the people of the Kurdistan Region and their upcoming independence referendum.
kurdistan24.net

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A United States Congressman recently pledged his support for the people of the Kurdistan Region and their upcoming independence referendum.

In a recent interview with Kurdistan 24, Congressman Trent Franks highlighted his support for Kurds and their fight against the Islamic State (IS) on behalf of humanity.

“I have supported the Kurds for so long because they have supported the cause of human freedom,” he said.

The Congressman expressed his gratitude to the Kurds and said he backed their upcoming referendum scheduled for Sep. 25, 2017.

“I am grateful to all [Kurds],” Franks told Kurdistan 24. “I support your referendum to become a sovereign state.”

“I hope with all of my heart that you will continue to make it easy for people like me to support the Kurds — for all kinds of good reasons,” he continued.

The US official pointed to the religious tolerance and inclusiveness in the Kurdistan Region and the Kurds’ commitment to protecting the values of minorities.

“Be the independent people that is committed to protecting all individuals,” he said.

“You’ve shown great courage in protecting Yezidis and Christians,” Franks added. “Please stand for their rights to be free and to hold to their own religious freedom.”

The Congressman stressed the new US administration under President Donald Trump “wants very much to support” Kurds.

“It’s a different administration in America now, and I think the Kurds can have a closer relationship with America than ever,” Franks concluded.

 

A member of the Republican Party, Franks represents Arizona’s eighth congressional district and has been serving in Congress since 2003.

 

Editing by G.H. Renaud

(Kurdistan 24 team in Washington conducted the interview)