Ilham Ehmed, Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of North and East Syria, who is taking part in the negotiations with Damascus, and Rohilat Efrîn, Member of the YPJ (Women’s Defense Units) General Command, held a press conference at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Opening the meeting, which was hosted at the initiative of S&D MEP Evin Incir, MEP Daniel Attard expressed his support for the Kurds, while Evin Incir stated: “A week ago, we secured the adoption of a resolution in the European Parliament. With a strong voice, the European Parliament expressed its support for Rojava.”
Evin Incir noted that the EP has called for aid to Damascus to be made conditional and for Kurdish rights to be recognized, adding: “The European Union owes a debt to the Kurds; it cannot abandon them.”
Ilham Ehmed emphasized that when support is expressed for the Kurds and Rojava, they interpret this as support for democracy and peace.
“We see this as support for the establishment of a new Syria, beginning with a solution to the Kurdish issue,” she added.
Underlining that the Kurds and their allies fought against ISIS and “saved humanity from a great danger,” Ilham Ehmed said: “In return for these efforts, support should have been provided to ensure that the rights of the Kurdish people are guaranteed in the Syrian constitution. There was an attack against the Kurds, which was essentially directed against democracy and the democratic system that guaranteed women’s rights.”
War rhetoric continues
Recalling the agreement signed with Damascus on 29 January, Ilham Ehmed stated: “It concerned a ceasefire and integration. There are still many steps that have not yet been taken regarding this agreement. Steps are being taken toward the integration of military, security and civil institutions within the state. However, there are still shortcomings and ongoing discussions. At the same time, rhetoric that could lead to war continues. Forces directly affiliated with the government are using such confrontational language.”
Ilham Ehmed also pointed out that there are internal and regional efforts to provoke a conflict between Kurds and Arabs.
Kurdish rights must be guaranteed in the constitution
“We find the steps taken so far positive,” Ilham Ehmed said, “but no steps have yet been taken to guarantee Kurdish rights in the constitution or to establish a constitutional commission that includes Kurdish participation. The representation of Kurds in state institutions has not yet been realized. Kurdish participation is essential in decision-making processes and in the construction of the new Syria.”
She further noted: “There are also shortcomings regarding the recognition of women’s rights both in the constitution and within state institutions.”
There must be guarantors for this process
Pointing to the ongoing ISIS threat, Ehmed noted that the United States has decided to withdraw before the new Syria has been fully established, stating: “There are still no guarantees regarding how this process will function. Through these meetings, we want our voice to be heard.”
“We want there to be guarantors for this process. We will tell the European Union that guarantors are needed to ensure the implementation of the agreement. Support is necessary to secure the future,” she said.
Ilham Ehmed added that no concrete steps have yet been taken regarding the return of displaced persons, stressing that a mechanism is needed for this as well.
YPJ must be included in the army
YPJ General Commander Rohilat Efrîn began her remarks by saying: “We are here thanks to the struggle and resistance of our people. Securing the gains of Rojava is important for all parts of Kurdistan.”
Noting that instability has prevailed in Syria over the past year, Rohilat Efrîn stated: “There must be guarantees for integration. As the YPJ, we have demonstrated that our demands and our struggle, and the Rojava revolution itself, developed under women’s leadership. Women’s leadership must be recognized in the new Syria and the YPJ must take its place as a women’s force.”
Rohilat Efrîn emphasized the need for solidarity to protect the gains of Rojava and the achievements of women.
Returns to Afrin
Ilham Ehmed and Rohilat Efrîn then answered journalists’ questions.
Responding to a question about returns to Afrin, Ilham Ehmed said: “Regarding Afrin, the agreement made with Damascus included the participation of Afrin’s people in governance and security. Discussions are ongoing, but there are problems, as there is a unilateral approach in practice. We want guarantees for returns. There is no set date yet. Currently, 400 families are ready to return as the first group. Discussions with the government will continue.”
The EU must act as a guarantor
Answering a question on military integration, Rohilat Efrîn said: “There is an agreement on the formation of four brigades. As the YPJ, we want to exist as a distinct structure. Our discussions are ongoing, but there is no concrete decision yet. The struggle must continue for the YPJ to be included within the army.”
Ilham Ehmed also delivered a message to the European Union: “The EU can play a role in preventing renewed conflict and can establish a mechanism. If it assumes a guarantor role, it will have a positive impact.”
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