The Social Democratic Alliance in the Arab World Conference began on Wednesday, August 27, in Sulaymaniyah. Dozens of representatives from 21 countries are attending the congress, including a delegation from the PYD in Rojava and a delegation from the DEM Party in Northern Kurdistan.
Speaking on the second day of the conference, the PYD (Democratic Union Party) Co-Presidency Council Member Salih Muslim stated that they had managed to remain standing despite all the attacks carried out by the Turkish state against Rojava.
“Despite all the attacks and embargoes imposed on our regions by Turkey, we have resisted and we are experiencing a unique experience in Rojava today. We want to be a common partner in building our country’s future,” he said.
Salih Muslim stated that they have created a democratic and unique model of coexistence, saying, “We have succeeded in protecting our democratic system, and we have benefited from Mr. Öcalan’s philosophy to do so. Our experience in the Middle East is unique; this model has been implemented in a place where many, especially in Syria, did not expect it. This could be a peace project not only for Syria but for the entire region.”
Qubad Talabani: Kurds are not a threat to anyone
Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, expressed his pleasure at taking part in the conference.
“Historically, the Arab world viewed the Kurdish issue as a threat to regional countries. Thankfully, it is now widely recognised that the Kurds are not a threat to anyone, but rather an opportunity to advance democracy, development, and prosperity. Wherever Kurds are present, they work to promote democracy and peace,” he stated.
Talabani continued: “In Syria, there was previously no recognised Kurdish identity due to difficult circumstances. Today, however, Kurds play a central role in building a new democratic Syria. After decades of conflict, Kurds are also contributing significantly to the peace process in Türkiye, and we in the Kurdistan Region support and assist these efforts.”
Reflecting on the Kurdistan Region’s own experience, he said: “We have endured a dark history — the Anfal operations, the destruction of villages, and the bombing of many cities with chemical weapons. Yet, following 2003, Kurds played a key role in establishing a democratic Iraq, securing our rights and legitimacy through law and the Constitution. Our rights were not won through war, but through constitutional recognition of federalism. The federal government is our government, and we are fully part of Iraq; the Constitution defines the borders, rights, and responsibilities of the Kurdistan Region. Today’s reality is the outcome of a long struggle and political process.”
He added: “We must continue to consolidate our rights and pursue our democratic and civil struggle. Issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government can be resolved through dialogue and adherence to the Constitution’s provisions and spirit. Thanks to the efforts of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, particularly its President, we are very close to resolving outstanding matters with the federal government.”
Talabani concluded: “The Kurdish issue is not merely about federal salaries; it is a matter of constitutional and legal rights. Unfortunately, after all these years, citizens in the Kurdistan Region still wait too long for their salaries. We must work together to resolve these outstanding issues once and for all.”