Koçer: Kurdish unity, fixing rights in Syrian constitution are priorities of stage

The Democratic Union Party (PYD) held a large meeting for residents of Qamishlo to explain the latest political developments in Rojava, as it was held at the Zana Hall in Qamishlo.

A large crowd of residents, civil society organizations, the Kongra Star, the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM), and members of communes and councils participated.

During the meeting, Hassen Koçer; the advisor to the Autonomous Administration discussed the general situation in the Middle East, noting that the current policies revolve around the issues of Iran and Iraq, and that there are attempts to commit massacres against the people of Rojava. He emphasized that South Kurdistan is also in danger, and that some powers are prepared to do anything to reshape the Middle East according to their interests.

He explained that there are numerous attacks on any democratic project, and that the phase initiated by the leader Abdullah Ocalan has had a significant impact. He stressed that patriotism means protecting the people from genocide and understanding how to deal with dictatorial states.

Regarding the agreement reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government, he indicated that he did not know whether it would hold, given the presence of parties seeking to undermine it. He explained that the recent events have awakened the Kurdish consciousness everywhere in Europe and the four parts of Kurdistan, unifying the Kurdish spirit, but political unity has not yet been achieved.

Hassen Koçer emphasized that the Kurdish parties that do not unite for the sake of the Kurdish people are not serving the cause. He stated that the political and social unity of the Kurdish people is more important than bread and water, and that the current stage requires holding a comprehensive national conference to develop a strategy that protects the rights of the Kurdish people and safeguards them from annihilation.

Koçer added that it is essential to unify Kurdish forces militarily and politically, capitalizing on the uprising of the Kurdish people and their allies around the world. He noted that despite the major offensive and the loss of many areas, they are prepared to engage in self-criticism when necessary, will not abandon the people and their cause, and will continue their struggle without falling into the trap of a "special war."

Koçer explained that the attacks were an international conspiracy targeting the democratic project, and that what is required today is not to be drawn into nationalist fanaticism, because it is the enemy of the individual and society, but rather to protect the people without being hostile to other nationalities.

He added that the attacks targeted Hasaka and Qamishlo, and that five attempts to enter Hasaka foiled due to the resistance of the people of Rojava, which prompted the other parties to resort to agreements. He emphasized the desire to continue the agreement till its terms be achieved, along with guaranteeing the protection of Kurdish cultural and educational privacy and identity, participating in government, and the inclusion of Kurdish rights in the Syrian constitution.

Hassen Koçer pointed out that the failure of previous Kurdish revolutions stemmed from the lack of fixing of Kurdish rights in the constitution, stressing the necessity of enshrining these rights in the Syrian constitution. He noted that the initial proposal was for the formal integration of Kurdish security and military forces into the Syrian state, with the formation of four brigades, and that the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Kurdish military forces be a command the eastern forces, thus ensuring their integration into the Syrian army and guaranteeing the protection of Rojava.

The captives' file

He also stressed the necessity of resolving the issue of captives and martyrs and exchanging them, emphasizing that the implementation of some clauses of the agreement is contingent upon the handover of captives and martyrs. In addition, among the essential conditions is the adoption of Kurdish as a second official language in the Syrian state and its teaching in schools.

Regarding the occupied areas such as Serê Kaniyê, Afrin, and Girê Spî, he made clear that discussions had taken place and committees had been formed to ensure the safe return of families, in addition to preparing 400 families to return to Afrin, and making efforts to facilitate the return of residents of Serê Kaniyê and Girê Spî to their areas. He indicated that Serê Kaniyê would be administratively linked to Hasaka, and that the continuation of the agreement until its conclusion would allow for the return of the residents.

During the meeting, questions were raised about the unity of the Kurdish position and ranks, as the participation of some parties in the Damascus meeting without the joint Kurdish delegation was considered a political error that undermines unity. Questions were also raised about the fate of the martyrs and captives, given the lack of news about them for 40 days. Furthermore, it was emphasized that certain steps of the agreement would not be pursued until this issue is resolved.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the attendees stressed the need to unite the Kurdish people, and for the parties to put aside their partisan interests because the unity of Kurdish interests today is more important than any other considerations.

ANHA