Qamishlo residents call for lower fuel prices

The Qamishlo People’s Initiative organized a protest in the city on Tuesday against the Syrian Transitional Government’s drastic increase in fuel prices, under the slogan “No to the policy of starvation.” Hundreds of residents, shop and factory owners, and drivers took part in the protest.

The protest began at Soni Roundabout and proceeded along the city’s main street. The participants held up banners with, “No to bargaining over the people’s livelihoods,” “The people’s fate is a trust placed in your hands,” “Fuel prices must be reduced,” “We want a dignified life,” and “Our oil belongs to the people,” while chanting slogans denouncing the decision to raise fuel prices.

The protest stopped at Al-Shuhadaa(The Martyrs) Roundabout, where a statement on behalf of the Qamishlo People’s Initiative was read by Rojin Mohammed Musa.

Addressed to the Syrian transitional government, the statement said: “Under the January 29 agreement, all oil affairs were transferred to the government. After that, the prices of all necessities began to rise. Following the currency change, the relevant authorities withdrew the old currency from circulation without the government injecting the new currency into the market.”

The statement, addressed to the Syrian Transitional Government, said: “Under the January 29 agreement, all oil affairs were transferred to the government. After that, the prices of all daily necessities began to rise. Following the currency change, the relevant authorities withdrew the old currency from the market without the government injecting the new currency into circulation.”

It added: “The Jazira region is a land of abundance and blessing, rich in oil, wheat, water and all the necessities of life. Yet today, it is deliberately being left without electricity, jobs or bread. This is being done intentionally, and we will not accept it or allow our people to be subjected to hardship and suffering.”

The statement concluded: “We will await the Transitional Government’s response and affirm that the will of our people is stronger than the unjust and harsh decision.”

At the end of the protest, a committee representing the residents handed their demands to Jihan Hessam, director of the Qamishlo District.

ANHA