2 events held in Hasakah, Qamishlo to mark PYD’s 23rd anniversary

The Democratic Union Party (PYD) held two events in the cities of Qamishlo and Hasakah as part of a series of events marking the 23rd anniversary of its founding, under the slogan, “23 years of struggle toward constitutionally guaranteeing Kurdish rights and building a democratic, pluralistic Syria.”

In Qamishlo, the event was held at the Azadi Park Hall under the same slogan, with representatives of political parties, women’s movements, civil institutions, Kurdish and Arab tribes, and the Martyrs’ Families Council in attendance.

The event began with a minute of silence, followed by a speech by PYD Co-Chair Perwin Youssef, who congratulated all party members, women, youth and community movements on the anniversary of the party’s founding. She also commemorated the party’s martyrs and those of the freedom movement.

Perwin Youssef said, “On this occasion that has brought us together today, we remember the struggle of Comrade Shelan and her comrades. From the very first day of its founding, the party came under attack. Despite martyrdom, detention and torture, it never took a step back. Instead, it brought about change and engaged in nation-building, particularly during the Syrian revolution, when it followed a correct path in resisting Baathist ideology.”

Perwin Youssef also commemorated martyr Sipan Huzni and the martyrs of Kobani Prison, saying that their steadfastness was a message that they would remain on their land and a sacred stance that no one could break.

Perwin Youssef addressed the role of women, saying, “Free women on this land have waged a real revolution and charted a successful path, so their gains must be protected. Denying women’s presence in politics and organizational structures makes society fragile. Therefore, our struggle continues for genuine representation of women in parliaments and councils in the new Syria.”

Perwin Youssef concluded her remarks by saying, “Our salvation lies in standing by our people and being worthy of the sacrifices of our martyrs, so that we can reach a decentralized Syria. We are confident that we are now moving toward genuine integration and partnership in which the Kurdish people, alongside the Arab people, are recognized, so that Syria can prevail through a democratic constitution.”

Speaking on behalf of the Martyrs’ Families Council, Ammar Musa congratulated the party on the anniversary of its founding and said, “After 23 years of struggle, resistance and historic work, the party is one of the gains of the liberation movement and emerged from the ideas of Leader Abdullah Ocalan. It has managed to build gains and ensure the security of its people. Today, our people are called upon to continue along this path, particularly with regard to the Kurdish language and its recognition in the Syrian constitution. We are the party of martyrs, and in keeping with their legacy, we will continue our work until their dreams are fulfilled and a decentralized Syria is built.”

Speaking on behalf of the Democratic Islam Conference, Sheikh Mohammed Mulla Rashid Gharzani said, “The Democratic Union Party is not a chauvinist party. It advocates for the rights of peoples and seeks the integration of peoples before the integration of governments. It should be a symbol for all Syrian peoples, based on reason and awareness, and work toward building a democratic homeland that brings peoples together without discrimination. We believe that all religions come from Allah and that their philosophies have been recorded in history. A religion that promotes division among peoples is not a true religion. Our affection for one another reflects the vision of the Democratic Islam Conference, which regards the rights of all religions as its own.”

For her part, Gulistan Kelo, speaking on behalf of the Kongra Star, said, “Before the Rojava Revolution, the Democratic Union Party had a long history of struggle across all political spheres and was the party that stood most firmly by the people despite the difficulties. Today, we are entering a new phase; the phase of integration. We consider the Kurdish language an existential and fundamental issue, reject the latest decision, and call on the Transitional Government to guarantee children’s right to education in their own language.”

She added, “Women’s movements are a key partner in this revolution. We see a threat to women’s freedom and to their role in integration and decision-making. We are determined to play a role in decision-making and to strengthen our organization and training to protect the gains of our people.”

Speaking on behalf of the Jazira Elders’ Council, Sheikh Hassen Ferhan al-Taie congratulated the Democratic Union Party on the anniversary of its founding, saying, “We extend our sincere affection and respect to the Democratic Union Party on this occasion. These years have been marked by struggle and perseverance despite the difficult circumstances facing the region and Syria. We have witnessed internal and external divisions and conflict, but today, amid difficult circumstances, there are those seeking to fuel Arab-Kurdish tensions, while also seeking to create divisions among Christians and exploit tribal affiliations. We say to the Syriac, Assyrian and Armenian communities that you have an important role to play at this stage and must shoulder your responsibilities. We are entering a phase of integration amid difficult economic conditions, and we must stand united to preserve Syria and the Jazira, as we are an inseparable part of one another.”

Speaking on behalf of the Kurdish Democratic Left Party in Syria, Saleh Kedo said, “The party has played a major role in the revolution, achieved many gains and made sacrifices. It must undertake a genuine review of its work, away from slogans, as much is expected of it at this sensitive stage. This includes helping resolve the issue of Kurdish unity and consolidating peaceful coexistence among Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs and Armenians. All parties must stand united, and as a Kurdish movement, we must step up our efforts to ensure the rights of our people in the constitution.”

The event concluded with poems by poet Ferhad Merdi and artistic performances by the Culture and Arts Movement troupe, while artists Newroz Afrin and Denish Botan performed a selection of patriotic songs.

ANHA