'Yes to knowing Kurds exist': referendum rally draws crowds in Geneva

GENEVA, Switzerland - A large crowd of diaspora Kurds from across all parts of Kurdistan rallied in Geneva, Switzerland in support of the Kurdistan Region's independence referendum, calling for a massive turnout in favor of 'Yes' on September 25th.

 
"Yes for Kurdistan independence" they chanted.
 
"I hope every Kurdish citizen votes ‘Yes’ I hope I see my flag flying here too," cried a woman from Sulaimani. "It is a great feeling to become a state, to know you exist. But now we do not exist. How many martyrs die we give? How many Anfal? Chemical bombings? We do not have to forget these things. We have to set aside some minor stuff. We must all go to the ballot boxes and vote 'Yes'." 
 
She encouraged the people of her hometown, Sulaimani, to vote ‘Yes’ for independence.   
 
"Thanks to everyone who came here to celebrate the independence referendum," said a jubilant, proud Kurd at the rally.
 
Referendum fever has swept Europe with similar rallies being held recently in cities like Cologne, Oslo, and Vienna.
 

In the Kurdistan Region's Akre city, Kurds are marking the event by lighting hundreds of torches at the ancient Akre castle. A symbol of Newroz, the new year, fire is important in Kurdish culture.