Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of North and East Syria, attended the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) held in Germany, together with the General Commander of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi.
Ahmed answered questions from journalist Aysel Avesta on a special program broadcast on Jin TV. Stating that they participated in the conference as a delegation from Rojava upon invitation, Ilham Ahmed said: “This is the first time we are participating in this conference. The SDF was also present. This has significance. The Kurdish freedom struggle has been subjected to attacks and denial for many years. Being represented at such a meeting today is meaningful. There is a need to come together and exchange views in order to protect the gains achieved so far in a democratic Syria, to defend our values, the revolution, and Kurdish rights. The fall of the old regime and the arrival of a new one did not bring real change in solving Syria’s problems. Everyone came together for Syria’s stability, but the desired stability has not been achieved. By participating in this conference, we are saying that we exist in the rebuilding of Syria and that we are partners in a new Syria. In every meeting we held, we raised warnings regarding the defense and rights of the Kurds.”
It is pleasing that Turkey did not take a negative stance
Evaluating Turkey’s reaction to the Rojava delegation’s participation in the conference, Ilham Ahmed said: “So far, they have not taken a negative approach. This made us happy. We are neighbors with Turkey. Serious problems have been experienced for many years. The absence of a negative stance today pleased us. Turkish officials were present at the conference, especially from the intelligence service. Integration was on everyone’s agenda. The first questions in discussions were about how integration should be carried out properly. We have meetings with some countries. All states are following this integration process. If it happens, it will positively affect neighboring countries as well, especially Turkey and its internal process. Many countries are closely monitoring developments in Syria.”
The siege of Kobanê must end
Responding to a question about the continued siege of Kobanê despite the agreement implemented on February 2 between the SDF and Damascus, Ilham Ahmed said: “We also had meetings with the Damascus delegation. We raised these issues. Integration has not yet been fully implemented in all its articles. Some provisions are still pending. We discussed both those and the siege of Kobanê. This siege must end as soon as possible. There are some issues regarding the integration of internal security forces; these are normal, sometimes problems can arise. What is important is that channels of dialogue remain open. The agreement included necessary provisions. There may be some obstacles in implementing them, but these can be overcome through discussion. For the siege to end, the Syrian army must pull back its front lines. In Kobanê, this process is progressing somewhat slowly. I believe that after the meetings held, these problems will be resolved.”
Security must be ensured to allow return of people to their homes
Referring to the situation of cities such as Afrin and Serêkaniyê, which are under the control of Turkey and the groups it supports, Ilham Ahmed said: “There are some exchanges of views on this. A committee needs to be established so that everyone can return to their homes and lands. The safety of everyone who returns must be ensured so that people can actually go back.”
Regarding what kind of system might emerge after integration, Ilham Ahmed said: “In some areas we are still searching for formulas. There will not be much change in lower-level institutions and organizations, but discussions continue about how higher institutions will be structured. More important than which system the YPJ will be part of is the defense of women. The YPJ is currently organizing itself within brigades. Some opinions suggest it should join internal security forces. There are different views. What matters is that women take part in and exist within defense. In cities where Kurds live, there are many institutions and organizations. The agreement includes articles allowing these institutions to continue their work. After the appointment of the Governor of Hesekê, the process of formalization for these institutions has also begun.”
Education in Kurdish is a right
Speaking about efforts regarding Kurdish-language education in Rojava, Ilham Ahmed said: “In one decree, it was presented as two hours per week as an elective course. We also raised this issue in our meetings with Damascus. We stated that education in the mother tongue is a natural right and that everyone should receive education in their own language. We said it is not possible for a student who has been educated in Kurdish for years to suddenly switch to Arabic education. This is a right. They also said that a meeting should be held to better understand this issue. We conveyed this to the delegation we met at the conference as well. Two delegations should be formed to hold discussions on this matter.”
Referring to attacks against the Democratic Nation Paradigm, Ilham Ahmed said: “There have been some problems in the functioning of the Democratic Nation Paradigm, but that does not mean the system is wrong. Some approach criticism emotionally. Many people have fallen as martyrs for this system; these sacrifices were made for children to have a free future. It would not be right to suddenly declare it fundamentally wrong. Southern Kurdistan went through a similar phase before. Sometimes such things happen. It is not right to erase everything that has been built at once. Lessons must be drawn. There are some mistakes that must be identified and corrected. For many years, attempts have been made to provoke war between Kurds and Arabs. At this point, isolating oneself would mean self-destruction for the Kurds. Attacks against the Democratic Nation must end as soon as possible.”
Women must expand the struggle
Ilham Ahmed said the following about women: “New opportunities are emerging for women. The system is changing, and new systems are being created. In new systems, new opportunities arise. These are opportunities for women. If women are not organized, these opportunities will slip away from them. This time, they could fall into a worse position than before. At this point, women must raise their voices louder. Not only Kurdish women, but all women must raise their voices. To stand by Rojava means to stand by all women. Women must expand the struggle at this stage.”
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