LAB, the Basque trade union, issued a statement expressing “its strongest solidarity with the Kurdish civilian population of Syria, especially those currently suffering from the siege and violence in Aleppo and other areas, as well as with all communities committed to a peaceful, democratic and pluralistic Syria.”
The statement said: “We condemn the attacks against the civilian population and basic infrastructure, and warn that the logic of power and external interference continue to fuel the conflict and block any fair and lasting solution. In this regard, we call on the United Nations, the United States, the Arab League and the European Union to assume its responsibility and act firmly to stop states such as Turkey, whose expansionist policy and geostrategic interests threaten peace. Syria cannot and must not be part of any neo-Ottoman project.
We also call on all states that maintain diplomatic, economic or military relations with the al-Sharaa government to end this policy of support. Thanks to the struggle and efforts of the Kurdish people, there is now a real opportunity to advance towards a democratic and peaceful Syria. The model promoted in north-eastern Syria is an example of coexistence between peoples, equality, social justice and the emancipation of women. Kurds, Arabs, Armenians and Assyrians have shown that it is possible to build a common project based on democracy and mutual respect.”
LAB called “on the Turkish Government to heed the peace proposals put forward by the Kurdish side, represented by Abdullah Öcalan, and to move towards a democratic solution that allows peaceful coexistence with the Kurdish people in Turkey, Syria, Iran and Iraq.
Peace, self-determination of peoples, democracy and social justice are inseparable. From the Basque Country, LAB reaffirms its internationalist commitment and its support for those who fight for a future of freedom, equality and dignity.”