Ilham Ahmed, Rohalat Afrin hold press conference ahead of EU Parliament meeting

Responding to journalists’ questions, Ilham Ahmed confirmed that a meeting was held in the European Union in support of the Kurds, noting that the meeting was extremely important for Rojava and the Kurdish people, as well as for promoting the values of democracy, justice, and equality.

She explained that one of the key outcomes was the reaffirmation of building a diverse Syria that includes all components and working toward resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria.

Ahmed also pointed to inciting and hostile rhetoric from some parties loyal to the interim government, including media outlets, and attempts to stir an Arab–Kurdish conflict in the region, stating that such rhetoric will not serve a solution.

She confirmed that discussions with the interim government emphasized that Kurds must have a role in managing the Afrin region, with proper conditions prepared for the return of displaced families.

Ahmed noted that the appointment of the new official for Afrin, Khiro Al-Ali Al-Dawood, was not coordinated with the Autonomous Administration, adding that there are displaced people awaiting their return to Afrin. Currently, 400 families are being prepared for return as a first batch to their areas.

On benefiting from the experience of the Kurdistan Region, Ahmed explained that Rojava’s demographics differ from Southern Kurdistan, but the region’s experience can be useful in administration and local governance.

She highlighted the significant role Southern Kurdistan played in supporting Rojava, particularly President Masoud Barzani, expressing gratitude for the support and stressing the importance of its continuation in the next phase.

On meetings in Sulaymaniyah with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, Ahmed said he proposed the meeting with the presence of the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, and noted that the results of the meeting are not yet clear.

She emphasized that the European Union can play a role in preventing renewed escalation, adding that any active role by the EU will positively affect the situation in the region. Ahmed also stressed the importance of unifying the Kurdish position across all parts of Kurdistan to face current challenges.

Rohalat Afrin affirmed that the achievements in Rojava were the result of the sacrifices of martyrs and the Kurdish people’s struggle, stressing the need to protect these gains, support them internationally, and preserve the accomplishments made over 13 years of fighting against "terrorism."

She highlighted the importance of supporting and guaranteeing ongoing agreements and the integration process with the interim government to prevent a return to war. Afrin emphasized that the women’s military force represented by the Women’s Protection Units must be part of the Syrian army, and that achieving stability in Syria requires recognizing and organizing the role of women in the official military institution.

She stressed that the Women’s Protection Units are the main guarantor of women’s achievements in Rojava and that safeguarding these gains is an ongoing responsibility.

Afrin added that after initiating talks, including military aspects, an agreement was reached to form four brigades under the Syrian Democratic Forces, emphasizing that the Women’s Protection Units must have representation in these brigades, with a special regiment formed for them. Negotiations on this matter are still ongoing.

She stressed the necessity of having a female regiment within the Syrian army, despite a prevailing mentality that sees no need for women’s participation in the military institution.

ANHA