​​​​​​​Çiya Kurd: Russia does not have project or approach that contributes in promoting dialogue, solution

Çiya Kurd's statements came during an interview with Hawar News Agency about the situation in Syria in general, and northeast Syria in particular, the Russian moves and the Turkish state's attacks.

How did was the guarantor countries performance in northeast Syria? In particular, the Russian impact on the existing balances?

During the past year, many major unsolved issues have arisen in Syria. Many parties seek to end the war and strengthen stability in the region. The Russians' efforts were materialized through the Constitutional Committee that resulted from the Sochi meetings. In addition to the Geneva meetings and talks, without any results. Now, the eyes are set on the US administration’s stance regarding the political process in Syria, after Joe Biden takes office. As new efforts are expected for dialogue and a solution and rearranging the Syrian opposition, and engaging other players in the political process. In this regard, Russia has an effective in particular in the Syrian crisis. We always say that the Syrian crisis cannot be solved without Russia, but on the other hand, it cannot solve the crisis alone. Many regional and international players have become influential on the situation in Syria, as it concludes with the political solution process. There may be new discussions about Syria between America, Russia and Turkey to reconsider the Syrian situation, and to act according to the dues of the new phase.

What are the dimensions of the Russian role in your regions?

The Russian role is influential in the regions of northeast Syria, especially in Afrin, al-Shahba and Aleppo, and recently in Manbij and Kobani, and even in parts of the Jazira. Especially after the Turkish state's attacks on the areas of Girê Spî and Serêkaniyê, and the military agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces, Russia and the Damascus government to limit the Turkish state’s attacks, where Russian forces were asked to stop the Turkish state’s attacks. And Russia seeks to enhance its role and control over the administrative, military, and economic levels, and to control the sources of the energy. And it seeks to end the US-led International Coalition in the region. In other words, this region has turned into an arena for settling scores between Russia and America. This contributed to exacerbating the issues of this region. Moreover, there are many other countries seeking to settle their accounts in this region. We call on everyone to support turning our country into an arena for settling scores and find a solution to the crisis and ensure security and stability. If the crises worsen in the region, this would contribute to the escalation of the conflict, and thus would lead to the revival of terrorism again. It is known that our regions were the centerpiece of the war against ISIS and terrorism, as well as the Third World War. Therefore, striking the stability in this region will lead to an imbalance from which the terrorist forces will benefit to regroup.

What drives Russia to allow Turkey to occupy northeast Syria?

It is known that there are many thorny files between the two countries, as they agree on many axes, but differ with regard to the position on the files of Idlib, Libya and Karabakh. Russia is currently seeking, in one way or another, to extend the control of the Damascus government over the rest of Syria. Therefore, Russia takes different paths. It is fighting the war in some areas, such as Idlib, where it fights against the mercenary groups and was able to force them to retreat and opened the way for the regime forces to advance there. With regard to the Autonomous Administration areas, Russia pursues a different policy. Since Turkey views the SDF is a problem, Russia seeks to exploit this position. Russia seeks to intimidate us to expel the Syrian Democratic Forces from the region. And it is practicing these provocations constantly.

Russia was directly responsible for the occupation of Afrin. As there was a clear deal between the Turkish state and Russia. in exchange for Ghouta and the Damascus countryside. Ensuring control over Damascus means reviving the Damascus government and restoring its honor.

Discussions took place between the Damascus government and the Autonomous Administration. During those talks, was the influential role of the Damascus or Moscow?

In order for serious discussions and negotiations to develop between the Autonomous Administration and the Damascus government, the guarantor forces must have a clear role and project for a solution that will produce tangible results. Because the Damascus government does not have a position or a political project. On the other hand, it still adopts a racist mentality. So far, all Damascus endeavors are still focused on returning to its previous state, re-strengthening its power, and extending its control over every place. In this regard, several Russian made initiatives and endeavors, and they confirmed their desire to mediate between the Administration and government in order to start negotiations and reach understandings. But in fact, they did not yield any results, for several reasons. The government racist approach, has contributed to closing the doors of dialogue, and the Geneva meetings proved that. Also, Russia does not have a position that a project contributes to enhancing conditions and resolving the crisis. Therefore, it does not take serious decisions to pressure Damascus and push it to dialogue. There are other forces that influence the Russian position, such as Turkey and Iran. Because Turkey and Iran oppose the idea of dialogue between the Autonomous Administration and the Damascus government. And Russia does not wish to harm relations with these two countries. This is what leads to the emergence of these Iraqis. All the forces dominating Kurdistan, whether the government of Damascus or Turkey and Iran, adopt the same policy with regard to preventing the development of dialogue and reaching understandings. They follow the same mentality. Their main goal is to eradicate the Autonomous Administration as well as the rights of the Kurdish people and end the model of common life in the region.

Does Russia really want an autonomous system in northeast Syria?

It is not known exactly what the Russian policy is regarding Autonomous Administration, as it does not accept, but it does not ask for its immediate termination. In several meetings, they told us, that we will not interfere in any understanding with the Damascus government, whether about autonomous administration, federalism or autonomy. But in fact, it does not wish this region to be self-administered. Russia accepts the cultural rights. Apart from that, we did not touch anything else in Russian policy.

What has Russia benefited from the Syrian crisis? And what should be the Russian policy with regard to your regions in 2021?

Russia should work effectively to end the Turkish occupation. The crimes of the mercenary groups in the occupied territories must be ended. As long as important areas of Syrian territory remain under the yoke of occupation, security and stability cannot be established any way or the crisis can be resolved. Russia must adopt a clear project for solution and negotiations. If Russia seeks to lead the negotiations, and plays a guarantor role in the talks, this would open wide doors for a political solution and great opportunities in Syria, and contribute to strengthening Syria. It would also boost Russian influence. The current Russian policy in Syria is based on exploiting one party to intimidate another. This contributes to deepening the crisis instead of serving the political process.

The mercenary groups in Idlib pose a threat to everyone, and these groups are now in Afrin, Serêkaniyê and Gire Spî. Recently, a group of mercenaries called "Hurras al-Din", listed as a terrorist organization, and is directly linked with the Turkish intelligence, carried out a suicide attack against the Russian forces in Ain Issa. This is a new development, which means that there is a danger on Russia as well. Russia must wage an effective war against these mercenary groups, and actively contribute to the development of the political solution process.

What is the message of the suicide attack?

Russia is engaged in military operations against these groups in Idlib. These groups previously targeted Russian forces. Currently, these groups are in Serêkaniyê and Girê Spi, and they carried out an operation in Ain Issa. And everyone is now wondering how did these groups get to that area? Sure enough, via the Turkish-controlled areas. Perhaps the Turkish state pressures Russia regarding the Ain Issa file. As well as for the Turkish state to work to eliminate these groups through Russia. That was message to Russia.

Occupation attacks continue against northeast Syria. Where Ain Issa is subjected to violent attacks. And recently an understanding was concluded between the Syrian Democratic Forces, Russia and the Damascus government aiming to limit the attacks of the Turkish occupation state, and the understanding provides for the establishment of three joint observation points. Despite this, the attacks are still continuing. What is the importance of Ain Issa and the plans of the occupiers?

Let's be frank, the Turkish state has a ready plan regarding the occupation of some areas of northern and eastern Syria. They always raise this issue during talks and discussion. The Turkish state is making vigorous efforts for getting the Russian and American approval to extend the implementation of its occupation plan. This is what makes it imperative for us, as peoples in northeast Syria, to be vigilant and struggle against the policies of occupation and extermination. Therefore, the mercenary groups, as well as the Turkish state, are always seeking to occupy Ain Issa. And expand the occupation, but gradually. The Turkish state has not abided by the ceasefire agreement since the beginning it was conducted.

Ain Issa has strategic importance at various levels, as it is an administrative and political center for Autonomous Administration, and enjoys a moral significance. As the occupation forces seek to send a message that "we have taken control of the adminstration center, and eliminated their project." Ain Issa is also of geographical importance that links between Aleppo, Al-Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor and Kobani, as it is located on the international road, an important trade road. Therefore, Turkey seeks to cut the bonds of communication between the Jazira, Kobane and Manbij. Of course, there is no doubt that Turkey will not stop there if it succeeds in implementing this scheme. Because it started in Afrin and extended to Gire Spî and Serêkaniyê, it will not end up occupying Ain Issa either. Rather, it aims to expand the occupation areas to include Kobani, Manbij, Jazira, and the entire Rojava region. Therefore, we must be wise enough to prevent the expansion of the occupation.

Russia pressures the SDF to hand over Ain Issa to the government. What is the Russian policy in Ain Isa? Are there any developments?

On our part, we have not made an understanding or agreement with Russia regarding Ain Issa. We do not accept such an agreement. We will not accept that. Ain Issa will remain under the administration of the Autonomous Administration, represented by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Resistance against these attacks will escalate, and the SDF will respond to any attacks against Ain Issa. As for the efforts to hand over Ain Issa to the government of Damascus, this is not possible and does not contribute to solving the crisis. The right thing for Russia is to fulfill its responsibilities and pressure Turkey to abide by the armistice agreement. Turkey, at present, does not abide by Russia's desire, and is working to insult Russia. Therefore, Russia must take a decisive stand. We will not accept that the agreement with any party was at the expense of exterminating our people.

Recently, the Turkish state continues to evacuate some observation points in Idlib. Observers are link this with the attacks on Ain Issa, and there is talk of a Russian-Turkish deal to grant Turkey the regions of northeast Syria in exchange for Idlib. What do you think on this topic?

They are somewhat correct views. Under pressure from Russia. The Turkish state is retreating in Idlib. This is considered a defeat. Perhaps the Turkish state seeks to cover up its defeat in Idlib by launching a military operation in Ain Issa. A certain deal may be concluded between Turkey and Russia. Turkey should carefully study the extent of the gains it will achieve if it gives areas from north and east Syria to Turkey in exchange for Idlib. In the end, this means strengthening the Turkish state by NATO and the United States of America in the face of Russia. And Russia is now preoccupied with the way Turkey will exit Idlib. Allowing Turkey to occupy northeast Syria does not serve Russian interests. Russia should realize this well.

Joe Biden is scheduled to take office on January 20. And there is talk that Turkey exploits this period to carry out occupation attacks. What is your call to the peoples of the region to confront this attack?

 The Turkish state continues its efforts to attack the region, especially during the vacancy in the American administration. It knows that the new American policy on the region has not yet been clarified. Perhaps Turkey will not face a reaction from America about carrying out any attack. Therefore, Turkey seeks to take advantage of this opportunity. Russia is also seeking to take advantage of this opportunity. We must be well aware that both Russia and America are countries of interest. It mainly works to protect its interests. So, we must rely mainly on our strength and on our people. And to prepare for this basic. During the Kobane resistance, we saw how the American position changed, and supported Kobani's resistance. For us as an autonomous administration and the peoples of the region, we trust our forces; this is the main factor for victory. All components should support their forces that defend this land and the dignity of its people. Otherwise, waiting for other forces does not help and will not achieve victory for us.

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ANHA