British PM in Newroz statement highlights freedom of expression for Kurds

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – British Prime Minister Theresa May congratulated Kurds for celebrating Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, and wished the Kurdish community a peaceful year.

“I would like to send my best wishes to everyone in the Kurdish community who are celebrating Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, this spring,” the May said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“Newroz presents an opportunity for all Kurds to come together, celebrate and reflect on past achievements,” she continued. “In marking this significant event, we wish for the coming year to be one of peace, harmony, and compassion, and hope for a world that further advances universal human rights, social justice, and freedom of expression.”

Every year, the Kurds all around the world hold a three-day long celebration for Newroz, starting on March 21. It marks the first day of the Kurdish New Year, which celebrated the year 2718 this time. During Newroz, Kurds light fires as a symbol of freedom from tyranny.

People in the Kurdistan Region celebrated Newroz days after Baghdad lifted a five-month-long international flight ban on the Erbil and Sulaimani airports, which was imposed in retaliation to the referendum on Kurdish independence held on Sep. 25 of last year. 

The UK was one of the western nations which opposed the referendum, claiming the timing was not ideal. The vote saw an overwhelming majority of people favor secession from Iraq, with many lamenting the lack of support from international allies for their right to self-determination. 

Newroz is one of the more nationalistic events, with growing popularity and festivities that become more and more sophisticated every year.

“As the Kurdish community prepares for this joyous festival, may you also find time for positive spiritual reflection with family and friends,” May concluded her statement.

Editing by Nadia Riva