PYD affirms that building new Syria depends on adopting democracy, decentralization

The General Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) issued a statement to the public opinion on Sunday, marking the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Ba'ath regime. The statement affirmed the party's commitment to a political solution, comprehensive national dialogue, and adherence to the objectives of UN Security Council Resolutions 2254 and 2799.

The statement included, "A year ago, the Syrian people turned a long page of tyranny with the fall of the Ba'ath regime, after decades of security control and a racist approach that represented no nationality, religion, or sect. It was an authority devoid of any affiliation, keen on serving a specific group and the interests of certain countries, away from the will and aspirations of the Syrian people. It was an oligarchic rule that oppressed all components of Syrian society.

The fall of that regime was the result of the Syrian people's struggle after immense sacrifices and many years. However, the sudden collapse was due to international agreements made behind closed doors, which distinguished between the genuine popular will to overthrow tyranny and the international arrangements that determined the final moment of its fall.

This opened the door to a transitional phase that was supposed to pave the way for building a new democratic republic and a new democratic society, in line with the historical need for change, especially after modern capitalism and the monopolistic nation-state reached a level that threatened the future of all humanity.

Despite the immense sacrifices made by Syrians in their pursuit of freedom, the past year has not brought about the desired change. On the contrary, new forms of governance have emerged, reproducing the Ba'athist authoritarian mentality under different guises, as seen in the practices of the Transitional Government in Damascus.

While security and trust were expected to be established, Syrians in the coastal and southern regions witnessed deliberate massacres targeting the Alawite and Druze communities. Attacks began on Shahba and the Tishrin Dam, and many areas continue to experience violations and threats. In addition, hate speech and intolerance persist among different groups, and the deteriorating economic conditions have pushed millions into poverty and hunger. The plight of displaced persons in Afrin, Ras al-Ayn (Sere Kaniye), and Tel Abyad (Gire Spi) remains unresolved amid the ongoing Turkish occupation of Syrian territories.

The steps announced by the Transitional Authority; conferences, a constitutional declaration, the formation of a government, and parliamentary elections, were merely attempts to consolidate power and marginalize the Syrian people, far from the broad popular participation which is required for rebuilding the country on sound foundations.

Our clear position is the necessity of the participation of all Syrians, in all their components, in the transitional process and the reconstruction of Syria, according to a national approach independent of international and regional interests, and balanced in a way that serves Syria's supreme interest. Our country can no longer endure further violence and war, and it can only recover through dialogue and democratic negotiation, drawing upon Syria's rich diversity of ethnicities, religions, and sects.

Experience has proven that the centralized nation-state model is no longer viable; rather, it has become a model that threatens everyone. True legitimacy must be built through the genuine representation of all Syrians, something the current authorities have failed to achieve.

We also believe that the Autonomous Administration project in North and East Syria, with its established principles of popular participation, democratic decentralization, and representation of diverse communities, represents a practical model upon which a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis can be built.

Out of our responsibility for the future of our country, we affirm that building a new Syria will only be achieved through the adoption of a clearly defined project based on the foundations of democracy and decentralization. This project must guarantee the participation of all Syrians in managing their affairs and reflect the national, religious, and cultural diversity of our homeland. A democratic, decentralized Syria is the only framework capable of ending tyranny, preventing its resurgence, preserving Syria's unity, and achieving justice, equality, and development in all regions without discrimination.

Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment to the political solution choice, comprehensive national dialogue, and adherence to the objectives of UN Security Council Resolutions 2254 and 2799, in addition to the implementation of the March 10th Agreement as a fundamental step towards building a democratic republic and a democratic society worthy of the sacrifices of the Syrian people and their history."

J.J