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Vice co-chair of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), Hasan Kocer spoke to ANF on occasion of the ninth anniversary of the Rojava revolution.
Kocer pointed to the dynamic character of the Rojava revolution, saying that the revolution still continues, grows and spreads. “This revolution grows. Such a growth is not only important for the people of the Middle East, but also for the peoples of the world,” he said.
“Many internationalist fighters joined this revolution and fell as martyrs and some of them still continue to work in the revolution. This revolution has become a hope for the peoples of the world. Turkey seeks to break this hope.”
Kocer believes that maintaining and protecting the revolution is now their main concern. “We do not ourselves depend on external forces. What is essential to us is the revolutionary war of the peoples. One must have political, organisational, military and social power, but how can this power be protected? It is maintained by the unity, struggle and resistance of the peoples in North East Syria.”
He noted that not depending on external powers does not mean to cut all ties with external powers. “We do not say that we will not form relations with external powers. Of course, we will develop relations. But believing in such an idea that these forces would be a hundred percent supportive of us would mean to fool ourselves.”
“Everybody is here because of their own benefits. Russa and the US and all other powers seek to achieve their regional benefits. They are not here to protect the revolution with us. The revolution can only be protected with one’s own political, military and social power; with one’s own organisational power; with the revolutionary war of the peoples.”
Kocer warned about the ongoing threats targeting the Rojava revolution. “Turkey attacked our regions under the excuse of creating security zones. They have placed gangs in Afrin [Efrin]. But, Turkey cannot do all this alone, they have the international support. The only concern and purpose they have in mind is how to weaken the revolution.”
Kocer also stressed the importance of women’s leading role in all stages of the Rojava revolution. “This is a first that all based on women’s power, that any revolution was led by women. Hundreds of women fell martyr to this revolution. Now women take part in the Autonomous Administration as co-chairs.”
“Women have the power. They are in a position to do anything in political, financial, cultural and social matters.”
Kocer shared a response to all the smearing campaigns targeting AANES. “Our people should always know that, the 19th July is their revolution and the AANES is their administration. Some powers keep pushing black propaganda against our administration. Yes, our administration has deficiencies and our people always have a right to share criticm of these, but let us be careful and try not to serve to the benefit of some powers.”
He said that AANES is ready to give voice to their own drawbacks openheartedly. “The 19th July revolution is a new model and the autonomous administration is a new model as well. We do not have much experience on this. That is why it is only natural that we experience some issues, which are all related to the progress of the revolution and not issues of insoluble nature.”
“Our administration should always stand by the people so that the people can embrace it as their own and the peoples of the region should be sincerely giving support to the administration so that we can all together get beyond our deficiencies.”
There is a special war against the revolution and the AANES, Kocer added. “Despite all these, if there is still stability and secure places in North East Syria, this is thanks to our defence power and our administration.”
“We do not have money to hide in Swiss accounts like some other powers. Even though not much, yet we share all what we have with our people. Despite all our obstacles and drawbacks, we are trying our best to meet the needs of our people.”
Kocer concluded that the only purpose of the Autonomous Administration is to serve its people. “This is our promise to our people: We will stand against all tyrants who try to oppress our people and we will protect the Rojava revolution. We will protect the North-East Syria revolution.”
