Al-Mashi: Manbij is safe city, has distinctive social fabric

JUMAH MOHAMMED –SHILAN MOHAMMED /KOBNAÎ

The 12th of August marks the second anniversary of Manbij city's liberation which was liberated by virtue of Manbij Military Council (MMC) in 2016 from the grip of IS mercenaries.

As the anniversary approaches, Farouk al-Mashi said in an interview held with Hawar news agency (ANHA) that Manbij is witnessing a renaissance from various aspects and it is the safest city in Syria.

Sanctities have been violated by IS in Manbij so it had to be liberated

Farouk al-Mashi said, "After IS occupied the area, Manbij has been the site where massacres and oppression practiced against the people and the educated elite. As a result, there were calls from our people in Manbij city to help them from the brutal practices of IS, especially the tribes, educated elite and writers who have been prevented from writing. Moreover, the clans were forced to close their guesthouses because of the brutal practices and criminality of IS."

Al-Mashi added, "We established the Civil Council for Manbij and its countryside on April 5, 2016 when there was not a single inch liberated until the campaign began in June of the same year. The Civil Council was parallel to the military. Most of the times, our comrades entered the neighborhoods that were not completely liberated as we worked to form the councils, and this was our interest."

Farouk al-Mashi said that the health sector and the services sector also attracted their attention. Health centers were opened with the start of the liberation and the maintenance of electricity’s work was carried out despite the mines left behind IS.

Al-Mashi explained that after the liberation of the city, removing the remnants of the battle and destruction left by IS in collaboration with Manbij young men and clans' notables was the priority.

Formation of Civil Administration and components, clans’ participation

The co-chair of the Legislative Council pointed out that a Democratic Civil Administration was formed in March 13, 2017 in Manbij which included the educated class, the clans, all the components, women and youths.

Manbij is the among the safest cities

Al-Mashi Noted, "Manbij is one of the safest cities, and the delegations that visited us have been impressed by the situation in the city. This was thanks to the efforts of Manbij Military Council, the Internal Security Forces and Manbij youths. We implore our legitimacy from our people and not from any other country in the world."

Manbaj has a social fabric

Farouk al-Mashi assured, "Manbij city has a social fabric and brotherhood. The forces that pretend Islam tried to play with the sects. The few of the youths of Syria have entered this conflict because everybody has realized the game."

Manbij faced challenges by virtue of martyrs' blood

Al-Mashi said, "Manbij has stood against the challenges thanks to the martyrs’ blood. When we visit the martyrs' shrine, we see the Arab alongside the Circassian, Kurdish and Turkmen. When we see the huge number of martyrs who have sacrificed their life for liberation, this is not easy."

Manbij is an integral part of Syria

Al-Mashi said, “Manbij city was the focal point of IS because it links the alleged capital of IS mercenaries in al-Raqqa with Turkey as the so-called migrants used to infiltrate crossing its borders as Turkey opened its borders to the eyes of the world. If AKP has the powers, why did not it liberate Manbij at that time? When the world gave up Manbij, Why the regime did not enter and liberate it?"

Al-Mashi said, “The Justice Party is talking about a separation project, but we are here in Manbij, an integral part of Syria. We are with the solidarity of Syria and its people and land. When we talk about Syria, we talk about it with all the components. The Baathist regime limited the social fabric and destroyed what was destroyed in Syria."

A word for future…  

In another context, al-Mashi said that they, as Manbij administration, always seek the best and feel that they are neglectful so they are trying by various means to progress.

Al-Mashi revealed that many delegations were impressed by the city for the presence of security and safety and taking the administration over the political and service matters, but they ask for more stressing that default is permissible because two years are not many so we may have errors.

Syrian-Syrian dialogue is a solution to the crisis

The co-chair of the Legislative Council of the Civil Democratic Administration in Manbij considered that the solution to the Syrian crisis is Syrian-Syrian. Many people are speaking on behalf of countries. We hope to move away from the external agendas and meet within a Syrian-Syrian dialogue. When we stand in solidarity with each other, we will be strong. Then, we will discuss things that suit the Syrian people who have been suffering from destruction and displacement for 7 years.

(T/S)

ANHA