History is repeating itself and it appears that it never really stopped In Syria and Iraq we see a continuation of the crimes by Muslim militants against the Aramean Christians such as killings, tortures, beheadings, crucifixions and kidnappings. The barbarism of these terrorist groups, who receive major funding from certain UN Member States, has caused a new mass exodus. 3. Recognition of our people by Israel and beyond Mr. President, my own democratic country of Israel recently recognized the Arameans as an ethnic minority. This has enabled me and my children to correct our identity cards and to register ourselves as "Aramean Christians," because until recently we were incorrectly identified as "Arab Christians." Not only is this historic decision by Israel and the Jewish people in accord with international law, we are also delighted that finally a state has heard our plea. Now we expect other UN Members and NGOs to equally recognize our people and thus ensure their human rights, especially Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority. In conclusion: three recommendations Mr. President, we are reliving the nightmares of the Ottoman Genocide of 1915. As we are struggling for survival, we ask the international community to guarantee UN charters and international law by recognizing: 1. the ongoing atrocity crimes suffered by the Arameans; 2. the Arameans as a distinct ethno-religious people; 3. the need for a debate about self-determination of the Aramean people. In light of the inability or unwillingness of the governments in our home countries to protect the Arameans from total annihilation and to help them preserve their endangered cultural heritage, we appeal to the conscience of this distinguished forum and stress: It is about time to grant the native Aramean people also their own democratic state in the land of their ancestors. Thank you Mr. President. READ OFFICE: WORLD COUNCIL OF A.RAMEANS [SYRIACS1 KLOCKARVAGEN 104 151 61 SODERTALJE, SWEDEN Co wrAcr: +46 N ass 032 810 (MCA- N00.0 RG. WWW.WCA-NGO,ORG RABOIIANK (ENSCHEDE, HOLLAND): REPRESENTED IN: ACC,-NW 396730.620 USA, UK, AUSTRALIA, TURKEY 1BAN: NI 71 RABO 0396 7306 20 D1C: RABONL2U ISRAEL, SYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN, GERMANY, SWEDEN, SWIltERLAND. AUSTRIA. FRANCE, BELOWM., NETHERLANDS,