Kadar Biri: people must continue in their spirit of uprising, resistance

Kadar Biri, Director of the Kurd Without Borders Center, spoke to ANHA  agency about the call issued by leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, 2025, and how this phase has, over the course of a year, affected both the political and social arenas, as well as the implementation of democratic integration in the region and Kurdish unity.

Turkey has not taken serious steps so far

Kadar Biri explained that their hopes for the “peace and democratic society” process were based on the expectation that the Turkish state would also take concrete steps. However, the Turkish state refers to the process as “Terror-Free Turkey,” and, he said, it has been shaped by a chauvinistic mentality that does not accept others. According to him, such a mindset seeks only to eliminate the existence of the Kurdish people.

“As long as the Turkish state has not approached the issue properly, matters remain unclear. Everything that was requested from the (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) has been implemented. But as long as they label the process ‘Terror-Free Turkey,’ this means they do not want to reach the truth. They are once again waiting for an opportunity to reverse the situation. However, I believe that the Kurdish issue today is number one on international agendas, and no plan will be able to stand in its way.”

Kurdish unity was a decisive factor

Biri pointed to developments in Rojava, explaining that a very significant role has been played there in recent times within the framework of this phase, as the people chose resistance in the face of attacks.

He noted that the adversary has come to realize that the situation is not comparable to what occurred on the Syrian coast, where massacres could be carried out within days and the issue disposed of easily. He added: “The unity of the Kurdish people at the European level, the media in Southern Kurdistan, and the activities held in Northern Kurdistan all played a very major role.”

Kurds must maintain their spirit of uprising and resistance

Kadar Biri stressed that Kurdish unity has grown stronger, but the key question is the extent to which it can be preserved. He emphasized that what is required of the people is to continue with their spirit of uprising and resistance.

Rojava has fulfilled its obligations within democratic integration

Biri stated that within the framework of integration inside Syria, Rojava has implemented everything required of it. However, the Syrian interim government has not yet fulfilled the points demanded of it.

He questioned whether this integration is meant to be one-sided, or whether the other party is also expected to take steps. “The interim government must take action. Kobani is still under siege; the roads must be opened and their forces must withdraw from the area.”

The Interim Government must fulfill its commitments

He added: “We should not accept being the only party taking steps in the integration process; they must also accept what is required of them. The existing force in the region must be recognized without conditions related to numbers, as the Kurdish people do not accept such conditions. The residents of Afrin, Serekaniye/ Ras al-Ain, and Gire Spi/ Tal Abyed must return to their homes, and Turkish soldiers must withdraw.”

ISIS is regaining strength in Syria

Kadar Biri warned that ISIS/ Daesh has made a strong resurgence in Syria, pointing to international policies behind this development. He suggested that certain actors seek to exploit the Sunni–Shia issue for their own interests.

“We, as Kurds, are far removed from this issue. We will never be a bullet in anyone’s gun to fulfill their desires and interests.”

Kurdish Human Rights Organizations must achieve unity

Biri noted that human rights organizations have fulfilled their duty regarding the situation facing the Kurds, and that Kurds abroad have also carried out their responsibilities.

In conclusion, he stated: “Kurdish human rights organizations must build unity among themselves. Even if only at the European level, they can undertake joint action to exert pressure on politicians.”

ANHA