The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) issued a statement relating to Afrin, which has been under the control of Turkish forces and allied Syrian linked factions for the past three years – i.e., since 20 January 2018.
“Turkey, the occupier state is trying to attain its goals in the region”, noted AANES in its statement that was reported by Hawar News Agency.
AANES added: “The occupation of Afrin (Efrîn), Ras al-Ayn (Serêkaniyê) and Tell Abiad (Girê Spî) is a sign that Turkey is against the democratic solution that people of north-eastern Syria have built for themselves. Turkey is a threat to the region. We call upon all parties in Syria to clarify their positions on this issue.
“All national forces that defend Syria and want it to be democratized must work together against Turkey and its mercenaries. Their practices are against our lands and our people. We call upon human rights organizations and international organizations, especially the United Nations (UN) to take a serious stance towards the offensive in Afrin and other occupied regions”.
In appealing to the UN, human rights organizations and international organizations, ANNES further noted: “We respectfully commemorate the [people’s] historical resistance against the invaders. Unless Afrin is liberated, there will be no democratic solution in Syria. We will take our lands back. With the support of our people, we will re-build our democratic project in Afrin and in all occupied lands of our people”.
