In an interview with Jin TV, YPJ (Women’s Protection Units) Commander Viyan Efrîn evaluated the ceasefire agreement signed on January 30 between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Stating that agreements have been violated many times in the past, Efrîn said that the new process is being carried out with the aim of stopping the war and strengthening the people’s self-defense. She emphasized that the role of the YPJ within the SDF is indispensable.
The interview conducted by Jin TV with YPJ Commander Viyan Efrîn is as follows:
On January 30, it was announced that a ceasefire agreement had been signed between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) within the framework of a comprehensive agreement that also envisages the gradual integration of the parties’ military and administrative forces. How was this agreement signed? How were the clauses decided as a result of discussions?
We salute our people who are resisting. The energy flowing in the streets and the resistance will achieve success.
The requirements of many agreements that were made were not fulfilled. There are reasons for this. For example, there were agreements regarding Afrin, Aleppo, and Deir Hafer, but they were violated by the Transitional Government before we withdrew our forces. The agreements were breached and their provisions were not implemented. Even during the Baath period, we were constantly in search of and making efforts for peace.
In all agreements, we fulfilled our obligations from our side. Dirty bargains and conspiracies are in effect; they have been imposed on us throughout history. In Sheikh Maqsoud, the plan of the Turkish state was to draw us into that war. We did not want to take part in that war. The people there made their decision and carried out their self-defense. We approached with great patience and did not become involved in that war, because there were dirty plans behind it.
In Deir Hafer, it is not only Kurds but also a majority of Arabs. We made an agreement and wanted to withdraw, but it was violated. The agreement made a few days ago was the same; it aimed to thwart the plans of conspiracy, annihilation, and denial against our people. We wanted to stop the war. We will organize ourselves under the name of SDF Brigades.
The YPJ was not mentioned by name in the agreement. This has raised questions: What will be the organization and role of the YPJ within the brigades?
We cannot separate the YPJ from the SDF. The YPJ played a crucial role in the formation of the SDF. This structure was built on the philosophy of a free life. The women’s freedom struggle will continue within all structures. This is also a struggle waged for a free society. Both within the brigades and in all spheres, we will, of course, preserve our distinct character and autonomy in terms of mentality. Without the YPJ, there is no SDF. The YPJ is the spirit and essence of all self-defense structures in the region.
How will the return of forcibly displaced people take place? What will be the first steps of this return, especially for places such as Afrin, Serêkaniyê, Girê Spî, Tabqa, and Raqqa?
The returns stipulated in the agreement mainly cover Kurdish regions, and this also applies to other areas, especially the Cizîr region. For people to return to Afrin and Serêkaniyê, Turkish headquarters must be withdrawn. However, abductions and killings are still continuing, and gangs are still present. They also need to leave Serêkaniyê. As a first step, returns will take place to the Cizîr region, but this will take some time.
The people demand accountability for all crimes that have been committed. How will the legal process function from now on, and will there be democratic elections—if so, how will they take place?
The crimes committed are not ones that can easily be forgotten. Thousands of people were killed under various accusations, and of course, accountability must be ensured. Democratic elections are undoubtedly a fundamental demand of the people, and whom they choose must be left to their own will. The bringing of HTS to power was part of a planned process. The redesign of Syria is also a requirement of the Greater Middle East Project. From the perspective of hegemonic powers, the Transitional Government was seen as a temporary necessity. Israel would not accept a mentality like HTS as a neighbor, which would also cause serious internal problems. For example, there are serious issues in Raqqa, including conflicts over property and widespread theft. It is said that Jolani has joined the coalition ‘against terrorism,’ but then why is there no fight against ISIS? Many ISIS members have escaped or been enabled to escape. There is a coordinated game at play, and this must be seen. International powers currently need a structure like the HTS for their interests, but this cannot be sustainable in the long term.
France and the United States have assumed the role of guarantors of the latest agreement. What would you like to say about these guarantors? Is it not the people’s resistance that ultimately provides the real guarantee?
We thank everyone who played a role in achieving the agreement. However, the guarantee of the future is undoubtedly our own strength, our people, and our resistance. When a mother, a father, or a young person takes up arms, it is a necessity of self-defense—they armed themselves in order not to die. This was imposed on our people. Peace marches are being organized, but the people have seen the conspiracy and realized that they themselves are the true force of self-defense. We thank the Kurds, friends, and internationalists who have taken to the streets in resistance. This is the most fundamental force of self-defense. The will that has taken to the streets across the four parts of Kurdistan is the guarantee of the Kurdish people’s future.