Ilham Ahmed: Integration doesn't resolve outstanding issues, Kurdish rights priority

In an exclusive interview published Sunday by Rojava TV, Ilham Ahmed, head of the External Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration, discussed several issues related to their recent meetings in Damascus and the new political phase for the Kurds, particularly mother-tongue education and the constitutional rights of Kurds.

Ilham Ahmed said the main discussion during the past period centered on the issue of education in the mother tongue, considering the Kurdish people's feelings toward their mother tongue "justified," in reference to the Kurdish position on the recent amendments to Decree No. 13. She stressed that "the greatest struggle will be to protect the language and Kurdish rights in the constitution."

Regarding the integration process, she stressed that the completion of integration does not mean resolving all issues, noting that discussions are continuing on several matters, including the integration of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), saying that talks on the issue "have not yet ended."

She also addressed the issue of prisoners and detainees, stressing that the file "is always present in our discussions and has never been forgotten," and that efforts to follow it up will continue more rapidly during the next phase.

She also said that the issue of changing the name of the republic will be discussed within the framework of the constitution, referring to issues that she believes will be settled through the constitutional and political process in the coming phase.

Regarding those displaced from Serekaniye, she said their return to their homes will take place in an organized manner, stressing the importance of addressing the return file through arrangements that ensure the stability of the region and the rights of the displaced.

She also addressed criticism from the martyrs’ families, saying that "the criticism of the martyrs' families is acceptable," and stressing that the current phase requires self-reflection and a return to the commitments made by Kurdish forces.

She concluded by affirming that “we will remain committed to the pledge we made to our martyrs,” considering that the Kurds are going through a sensitive phase that requires working to protect the “gains and achievements” made over the past years. 

A-H 

ANHA