The Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) held a meeting in Qamishlo as part of a series of public meetings aimed at drawing attention to the political situation in the North and East Syria region.
MSD Co-Chair Mahmoud al-Meslet, MSD Press Office Head Hisên Ezam, Democratic Union Party (PYD) Qamishlo Co-Chair Fethiya Xelîl, Assyrian Democratic Party Representative and MSD Member Wail Mirza, Member of the Committee of Opinion Leaders in North and East Syria, Fuad al-Basha, attended the meeting, as well as city residents, religious scholars, local leaders, women, and young people.
Speaking at the meeting, which began with a moment of silence, Mahmoud al-Meslet referred to the importance of Qamishlo, saying that the city represents Syria’s diversity and will never be defeated because it has the will of its people.
The MSD Co-Chair pointed out that Syria is going through a critical period and there is a new system and new demands in the country today. He underlined that they must take responsibility in this process for their country to succeed.
Mahmoud al-Meslet said that when they see unity among the people, they respond positively, but when discord arises, they are disturbed, adding, “Our cause is one, our pain is one. Syria is going through a period that requires the joint efforts of all its components.”
The MSD Co-Chair noted that the Damascus transitional government has its own desires and policies, and is trying to gain legitimacy from outside. He stressed that a government cannot gain legitimacy from outside, but must gain it from within.
“There is no conflict between the peoples; there are attempts to sow seeds of division between the peoples and to destroy the unity we have built together. We cannot build this city without national consensus. We need unity to achieve the Syria we want. Syria will not return to what it was before 2011. We do not want to divide Syria; we believe in the unity of the people. When we come together, we will succeed.”
Mahmoud al-Meslet stated that the developments in Damascus are important to them, that they want the situation in Syria to improve, for its institutions and border crossings to open, and for all Syrian components to have their rights. “We are all components of a journey,” he underlined.
Drawing attention to the negotiations with the transitional government, the MSD Co-Chair said, “Negotiations are ongoing; the March 10 Agreement is a path toward national unity. At this stage, the role of elders and tribes is crucial in achieving national reconciliation. History bears witness to how much the elders have protected this country. We must not allow chaos to emerge. Our relations with Damascus are good, and our negotiations are ongoing. We are also in negotiations with Arab states and are not far from the political arena.”
Participants stated that their stance in favor of supporting the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as the people of the North and East Syria Region remains unchanged.
The meeting concluded with the hearing of the participants’ views and assessments.