Muslim: A new war would affect North-East Syria as well

The Democratic Union Party (PYD) Co-Presidency Council Member Salih Muslim stated that the Syrian administration should demonstrate a serious commitment to peace as only their will for peace was insufficient. He remarked that the following fact should not be overlooked: “A solution in Syria is not only left to the Syrian people; other powers are also involved. While these powers are fighting elsewhere, they can not reach an agreement here, therefore something will definitely happen here as well. We’re taking our measures.

PYD Co-Presidency Council Member Salih Muslim answered ANF’s questions.

Syria has been involved in an 11-year war and crisis. How would you evaluate the current stage in the context of Turkish state aggression and its anti-Kurdish stance?

Rojava is an unstable region. It has been a conflict zone since March 12, 2004. Since 2011, when both the Syrian regime and the events in Syria began, we have entered a new era. Our project as the Kurdish people has seized an opportunity. On the one hand, the Baath regime, and on the other, Turkish fascism, Iran, and others, cannot tolerate our project. The Turkish state undertakes the planning, leadership, and implementation of the hostility and aggression against Kurds. This situation is now evident. The Turkish state or its agents oppose the Rojava administration wherever they go. Since 1923, this has been the Turkish state’s consistent stance and effort. It is difficult to stand up and fight against it, but we are doing our best. At this point, Turkey will have to choose a path. This war is also to blame for the latest multi-conflict. For the past seven years, it has been carried out in various ways.

Why can’t a solution be found? 

Our interlocutor is the Syrian regime, but peace cannot be reached merely through our efforts; the other side must also opt for peace. Our efforts alone will not suffice. This is the current scenario in Rojava and it is still ongoing. The situation in Ukraine and Russia will have an impact not just on global politics, but also on us. We organize ourselves and our people so that we are less harmed. We will surely defend ourselves if there is an attack. This fact should not be overlooked: a solution in Syria is not only left to the Syrian people; other powers are also involved. While these powers are fighting elsewhere, they can not reach an agreement here, therefore something will definitely happen here as well. We’re taking our measures.

The Turkish government and the KDP met within the framework of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Following the meetings, the KDP concentrated its forces in the Heftanîn region. How should we address the KDP’s approach?

We find these concentrations extremely unsafe; they should not happen, and we urge the people to be careful. It would be great if the people used democratic means to prevent this from happening. Because the guerrillas in there are also Kurdistan’s children.

There are intentions to jeopardize the federal system and bring it down. Turkey is the occupying force there; it has more than 50 military headquarters and has plans to counter the Kurdish existence. Any game there is harmful to all Kurds.

The Diplomacy Forum in Antalya is a part of the scheme. The invitation of the Southern forces to be there, as well as their presence in the same frame, is part of that.

How can a long-term peace be reached in Kurdistan, particularly in North-East Syria?

Without the Freedom Movement and Abdullah Öcalan, there would be no solution. The freedom of Leader Abdullah Öcalan is important, and it must be addressed. First and foremost, the situation of Öcalan must be resolved. I’m not just referring to Turkish fascism; there are forces that hold them in power there and these forces must think now. The forces that imprisoned Leader Abdullah Öcalan there should understand that if they want to resolve the Middle East crisis, they must begin with Leader Abdullah Öcalan. I’m hoping that this Newroz will be the beginning.

We are going through a very critical juncture. There is a massive fire raging all over the world. The more united we are, the fewer losses we will suffer.