PYD co-chair: No solution without liberating our land 

The 10th conference of the Democratic Union Party continues in the city of Hasaka under the slogan "Together for Achieving the Physical Freedom of Leader Apo, Strengthening Autonomous Administration, and Building a Democratic Syria," with the participation of 700 delegates.

After a minute of silence, PYD Co-Chair Salih Muslim welcomed the attendees, congratulated the people of the region and leader Abdullah Ocalan on the convening of the 10th conference, and said: "We have been on this journey since 2003, and we continue despite the many challenges we faced. Throughout these years, we have been pioneers for the people of the region and remain determined to continue, staying true to the sacrifices of our martyrs for our people."

Salih Muslim added: "We studied the history of peoples and learned necessary lessons. We found that the enemies of peoples exploit division and use them as tools. That’s why our leader proposed the philosophy of the democratic nation, with one of its foundations being the brotherhood of peoples. Today, this enlightened idea can be a beacon for the people of the region, and we are committed to this philosophy as it is the only way that can liberate people from oppression."

Muslim explained: "During the Syrian crisis, our goal was to change the reality of the people on all levels so that they could govern themselves. This is what we have worked towards. After 13 years of conflict, it has become clear that our approach is correct, and the PYD has proven to be a pioneering force for the people of the region."

He emphasized that what has happened in Syria has become the epicenter of a third world war and added: "Our people have gained experience and knowledge. We have the guiding light that illuminates our path, and for this, we are committed to the sacrifices of our martyrs and our leader. All achievements belong to the people, and as long as the people are aware, victory will be theirs. We will remain true to our martyrs and our leader."

Salih Muslim also highlighted the ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, stating: "The solution to the Syrian crisis lies in democratic administration, specifically the project of Autonomous Administration."

Muslim affirmed that the people's will and community diplomacy are central to their approach. He mentioned holding meetings with all parties to unify their ranks and said: "We seek Kurdish unity and continue our discussions. We aim to unify the visions of all parties."

Regarding the Syrian issue, Muslim said: "We are present, although some have tried to exclude us from dialogue since 2005, leading up to the Syrian crisis. We remain part of the dialogue and continue to work towards a solution. We have demonstrated the validity of our thoughts and practices, and the PYD will remain a leading force. Everyone must understand that we have embraced the democratic change movement in the Middle East, and we are committed to realizing the democratic nation."

For her part, PYD Co-Chair Asya Abdullah stated: "We are holding our conference at a very sensitive and difficult time, as global and regional crises affect our areas."

Asya Abdullah noted: "The People's Protection Units (YPG) and Women's Protection Units (YPJ) made great sacrifices. Today, under the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the gains made are being preserved and protected."

She explained that the maps being proposed in negotiations are not solutions but are projects at the expense of the people and a denial of their history. She added: "There are occupied areas in Syria, primarily Afrin, Girê Sipî, and Serê Kaniyê. What is called the opposition has become part of this occupation. It is our duty to intensify the struggle against the occupation until our land is liberated so that our people can live in freedom and dignity. This is one of the core principles of our party."

Asya Abdullah stressed: "There will be no solution without the liberation of our land. To ensure a political solution in Syria and guarantee the unity of its territory, the occupied areas must be liberated. For this reason, we will continue our struggle in all aspects of our work."

She also addressed the situation in Imrali prison, saying: "For three years, isolation has continued, and to achieve the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Ocalan and resolve the Kurdish issue, we will escalate our struggle on all levels."

Asya Abdullah confirmed that unity is part of the party's strategies and policies. She emphasized: "It is our duty to develop a national line within a democratic strategic plan and protect the achievements of the Kurdish people. We are always ready to play a leading role in resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria and achieving a decentralized Syria governed by democracy. The unity of the Kurdish political movement is important at all levels, and we will continue our struggle to achieve this."

She vowed to continue the struggle politically, diplomatically, and organizationally to preserve the values of the martyrs.

After the speeches, a video was shown summarizing the work of the PYD. The 10th conference continues with a speech by the Martyrs' Families Council for North and East Syria, delivered by Rizan Kelo, and a speech by Hussein Othman from the Autonomous Administration.

A-H

ANHA