Iran Calls for Global Recognition of 1988 Halabja Chemical Attack Role

Iran’s Foreign Ministry commemorates the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack, urging acknowledgment of its lasting impact and the role of the West in supporting Saddam Hussein’s regime. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasizes the shared suffering of Iranians and criticizes European complicity, underscoring the need for accountability in matters of human rights.

On the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has urged global recognition of the atrocity and its enduring ramifications. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the significance of this tragic event remains undiminished by time, attributing it to Saddam Hussein’s regime’s violent actions against the Kurdish population in Halabja, Iraq.

Mr. Baqaei emphasized the involvement of the United States and several European nations in supporting Saddam’s regime, particularly through technical and technological assistance during the attack. He also pointed out the shared anguish experienced by the Iranian people, notably those from Sardasht, and acknowledged the numerous military and civilian casualties suffered by Iranians due to chemical weapon assaults during the Iran-Iraq War.

The spokesperson criticized European countries for their complicity, stating that their failure to accept responsibility and recognize the historical truth undermines their standing in human rights and legal integrity. The infamous Halabja chemical attack, which occurred on March 16, 1988, involved the Iraqi air force, directed by Saddam Hussein, unleashing a deadly array of chemical agents over the city.

Located close to the Iranian border, Halabja had allied with Iran, prompting Saddam, perceiving it as a threat, to exact punishment on its residents. The assault, orchestrated by Ali Hassan al-Majid, infamously dubbed “Chemical Ali,” resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 5,000 lives, mostly non-combatant civilians, alongside countless others injured with enduring health effects due to chemical exposure.

In summary, Iran is calling for global accountability for the Halabja chemical attack, reiterating the need for international acknowledgment of the West’s historical involvement. The tragedy not only highlights the brutality faced by civilians but also raises concerns regarding the credibility of nations that fail to confront their past misdeeds in human rights violations.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com