Ilham Ahmed: significant gains are being achieved

The Intellectuals’ Union in the Jazira Canton held a meeting at Shlêr Library in the city of Qamishlo, addressing the latest developments in Syria and the agreement signed on 29 January between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the interim government.

The meeting was attended by members of the Intellectuals’ Union, representatives of civil society organizations, and community leaders. It was chaired by Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the External Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration.

At the outset of her remarks, Ilham Ahmed said: “First, we owe a debt to our fighters and our sacrificing people. Through their persistence in struggle, it becomes our responsibility to meet their demands and to secure the safety, rights, and freedoms of our people.”

Ilham Ahmed then spoke about the current phase, stating: “There was a project underway a project for the freedom of peoples, but certain sensitivities have recently emerged, particularly regarding the rights of peoples. In this context, there are significant sensitivities, and there are those who seek to exploit them to ignite internal fighting. There are many such attempts, especially among the components of society. Therefore, we must remain vigilant. The project that was launched in its early stages was a project for all peoples, and especially for the rights of the Kurdish people. The Kurdish people, as a people living on their historical land, have faced authoritarian policies aimed at changing the region’s demography and imposing a particular mentality. To this day, efforts continue to deprive them of rights and identity, and work along this path is ongoing, with some individuals becoming tools to implement these policies.”

She continued: “There are those who seek to stir discord and internal conflict among the components, and to cultivate hatred and animosity in an attempt to marginalize the Kurdish people. Their political objectives have been clear. From the beginning, we have tried to prevent this, to stand against strife and corruption, and to work so that our people are the holders of rights. The decision issued by the interim government regarding the rights of the Kurdish people represents the first time such a decision has been made recognizing Kurds as holders of decision-making power and identity. It is a positive decision and will be followed up politically and legally, as well as in terms of how it is implemented in practice on the ground.”

Ilham Ahmed also addressed the issue of integration, saying:              
“Special teams and brigades will be formed for Hasakah and Kobani, with women’s participation guaranteed. There will also be a harmonization process regarding civil society organizations, cultural activities, and language. The governor of Hasakah has been designated, and there are points that remain under discussion, such as border crossings and language, among others. A formal constitutional committee has not yet been formed, but it has been announced that a committee will be established in the next phase.”

In closing, Ilham Ahmed said: “There is a scheme being plotted, and we must be cautious of it and thwart it through political struggle. The enemies’ goal was to break the will of the Kurdish people, but the role of the Kurdish people has now become clear to everyone. A historic Kurdish unity has been formed, and the roots and achievements of Rojava have contributed to building it. The word, writing, and the pen are stronger than the bullet.”

She added: “The rights of the Kurdish people will be guaranteed in the constitution, and we will achieve greater gains. Every obstacle that arises, we will find a solution for it. Work is also underway to ensure the return of the displaced people of Afrin and Serekaniye/ Ras al-Ain, as well as all displaced persons.”

The meeting concluded with questions and discussions.

ANHA