Vatican delegation visits North, East Syria

A delegation representing the Vatican visited the Department of Foreign Relations of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, the Freedom for Leader Abdullah Ocalan Initiative in Syria, and the Syrian Lawyers' Initiative for the Defense of Leader Abdullah Ocalan in Qamishlo.

The delegation included: Monk Therese Elias Kanakri, a Syrian national; Nadia Amin Khalil, an Egyptian national; and Marie Habib Kairouz, a Lebanese member of the Franciscan Mariamite Order.

The visits were also attended by a representative of the Aleppo Council of Churches and a member of the Council of Religions and Beliefs of North and East Syria, Armen Mardo, along with Kirakios Kelayjian, a representative of the Council of Christian Churches in Raqqa.

The delegation began its visit today with the aim of learning about the Democratic Autonomous Administration system, its working mechanism, and building mutual relations.

They were received at the Department of Foreign Relations by the co-chairs, Ilham Ahmed and Fanar al-Kait, and their deputies, Gulistan Ali and Robil Baho, where a closed meeting was held before the media. At the end of the meeting, the delegation presented a symbolic gift to the Department, which in turn reciprocated with a commemorative gift for the delegation.

The delegation then headed to the headquarters of the Syrian Initiative for the Freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, where they were received by members of the initiative, Ferzanda Munther Najah Kallo and Fouad Joli, and by the co-chair of the Syrian Lawyers Initiative, Muhammad Amin Naimi, and members, Bashira Jamal al-Din and Rovand Khalaf.

During the visit, Ferzanda Munzer referred to Leader Abdullah Ocalan's call for "peace and a democratic society," emphasizing that his call is about humanity, brotherhood, and love, yet the Turkish state continues to reject this call.

Basheera Jamaluddin also noted that Leader Abdullah Ocalan's thought has united women from diverse backgrounds in the region, encouraging them to contribute to development and self-defense.

Nejah Kallo emphasized that their connection to Leader Abdullah Ocalan's ideas has brought them a level of dignity, affirming that they will not back down from this path and will continue their struggle until the end.

The three monks expressed their joy at the brotherhood they witnessed among the peoples of the region.

Copies of Leader Abdullah Ocalan's five volumes were presented to the visiting delegation as symbolic gifts.

The delegation is also scheduled to visit the Diplomatic Relations Office and the Council of Religions and Beliefs of North and East Syria today, and will complete its tour tomorrow by visiting the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), and the Syriac Union Party.

T/S
ANHA