October 4, 2007 - 21:12 AMT
Yezid autonomy to be formed in Northern Iraq under U.S. aegis
Yezid autonomy will be formed in Northern Iraq under the U.S. aegis, chairman of the National Union of Yezids, Aziz Tamoyan told reporters Thursday.

"The issue was raised by a Yezid representative in the Iraqi parliament and he succeeded in reaching agreement with the government," he said.

Formation of Yezid autonomy is a necessity, since the Yezids of Northern Iraq are in danger, according to him, Novosti Armenia reports.

The National Union of Yezids has numerously called on international structures to take action to stop crimes against Yezids. The Union leaders sent letters to the Presidents of the U.S. and Russia as well as to the UK Prime Minister with an appeal to protect Yezids in Iraq.

Yezids practice a special religious and live predominantly in Iraq. Their religion is comprised of elements of Paganism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Some 60 thousand Yezids live in Armenia.