On the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack, Iran’s Foreign Ministry urged the international community to recognize the atrocity and the West’s role in supporting it. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized the continued suffering of victims and criticized European countries for their part in Iraq’s chemical weapons program. The tragic event, which occurred in 1988, resulted in significant civilian casualties and long-term health effects for survivors.
On the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack, Iran’s Foreign Ministry is calling for recognition of the atrocity and its continuing repercussions. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the passage of time does not diminish the grave nature of the attack perpetrated by Saddam Hussein’s regime against the Kurdish town of Halabja in Iraq.
Baqaei asserted that the United States and several European nations contributed to the attack through their provision of technical and technological support. Furthermore, he underscored the collective suffering of Iranians, particularly those in Sardasht, as well as numerous Iranian military and civilian victims of chemical weapon assaults during the protracted Iran-Iraq War.
Moreover, Baqaei condemned European nations for their involvement in Iraq’s chemical weapons program, asserting that their reluctance to acknowledge their role weakens their credibility on human rights and the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of recognizing historical truths and holding accountable those responsible for such violations.
The Halabja attack, which occurred on March 16, 1988, marked a tragic chapter in the Iran-Iraq War’s conclusion. Under Saddam Hussein’s command, the Iraqi air force targeted Halabja with a cocktail of lethal chemical agents, including mustard gas and various nerve agents.
Halabja’s population, which had allied with Iran, was targeted by Saddam Hussein as a means of punishment for what he perceived as treachery. Notably, Ali Hassan al-Majid, infamous as “Chemical Ali,” was pivotal in orchestrating this heinous act. The attack claimed the lives of an estimated 5,000 people, predominantly civilians, with many more suffering from lasting health issues due to chemical exposure.
In conclusion, the anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack serves as a somber reminder of the necessity for accountability regarding historical injustices. Iran’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the implications of foreign support for oppressive regimes and the importance of acknowledging the suffering caused by chemical warfare, which continues to affect countless lives. The need for recognition is paramount for promoting human rights and upholding the rule of law in international relations.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
