Newroz reception in Liege

On the occasion of Newroz, a reception was held for the friends of the Kurdish people in the city of Liege, Belgium. Many lawyers, academics, non-governmental organizations and representatives from local administrations attended the reception.

Gule Algunerhan, representative of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), made the opening speech of the reception held at the Parc du Jardin Botanique in Liege. Stating that Newroz heralds the arrival of spring for the peoples of the Middle East, Algunerhan said that this day is also symbolized as a day of resistance for the Kurds.

Gülistan Özer, who spoke on behalf of the Liege Kurdish Community, explained that Newroz, which has been celebrated for three thousand years, is a festival that includes resistance for the peoples of the Middle East and the Kurdish people.

Özer also touched upon how Newroz is identified with the tradition of resistance, from Demirci Kawa to Mazlum Doğan. In her speech, Özer also spoke about the current political developments in Kurdistan and told the participants about the isolation of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan and political prisoners.

After the speeches at the reception, halay dances were performed accompanied by the songs of the artist Hamid Urmiye.