Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - The Kurdistan Regional Government extends its best wishes to the Christians around the world, in a statment released Sunday. 

The KRG designated Sunday and Monday as offical holidays across in the Kurdistan Region as Chrisitians in the region celebrate Christmas. 

Below is the statement of the KRG:

We congratulate all Christians in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and around the world on the occasion of Christmas and wish them all a peaceful and happy holiday season.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, sadly, hundreds of thousands of Christians and members of other religious and ethnic groups are still displaced in the Kurdistan Region because of ISIS’s reign of terror and targeting them in other parts of Iraq. Despite the military defeat of ISIS, these IDPs are hesitant and unable go back to their homes, especially due to the recent tensions.

Christians are a native component of Kurdistan's diverse and rich society. They have lived with other ethnic and religious groups in peace and harmony for thousands of years and actively participated in protecting and building Kurdistan.

We hope that in the New Year, Christians and other components of Kurdistan's society celebrate their holidays in peace and better economic conditions and that the IDPs return to their areas with dignity and rebuild their homes.

We, once again, wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

Council of Ministers
Kurdistan Regional Government