Bedran Çiya Kurd, the Autonomous Administration of North-East Syria (AANES) deputy co-chair, spoke to MA regarding the latest developments in Northern Syria and possible threats of operations by Turkey in the region.
“We cannot say that there is no threat against our boundaries. Turkey is trying to invade our region and also working to prevent the development of the democratic project in North-East Syria,” Kurd said and emphasized that the coalition forces should not allow the gains against ISIS to be jeopardized as a result of Turkey’s operations.
Kurd also noted that the reason Turkey especially seeks to target Tell Rifaat and Shahba is to create a ‘safe space’ for the gangs heading from Idlib.
“In Tell Rifaat and Shahba, refugees from Afrin currently reside. Turkey wants to complete its migration policy and expand the occupation. It wants to create a ‘safe space’ for the gangs that are coming from Idlib.”
Kurd stated that, according to information they have received, the USA did not give permission to Turkey to conduct new operations in North-East Syria.
“Turkey and Erdogan are in crisis. Erdogan is known for his policy of avoiding crises and deceiving Turkish public opinion. We want it to be known that Turkey’s threat is a regional and international threat. Because when Turkey is in Syria, it affects the region and even the world. Therefore, if Turkey leaves Syria, then stability can be achieved in Syria.”
Kurd added: “As the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), we want all problems to be resolved through dialogue. If Turkey attacks us, we will defend ourselves. We will not accept Turkey’s policies and oppression.”
When he was asked about the meetings of AANES officials in the USA, Moscow and Europe that were held recently, Kurd stated that the meetings were very important to establish peace in Syria.
“We have said that we want a united Syria. With these visits, we found that in fact, some people were unaware of our project and our role here. With these visits, we have expressed our goals and show that we want peace. At the same time, we had some diplomatic discussions to open an AANES representative office.”
He also noted that there are also discussions of a new constitution and some solutions in Syria, but these are all done without the Autonomous Government being present.
“These meetings are ignoring the will of the people (a region in which around 5 million people live and that encompasses 30% of Syria). It cannot be called negotiation: it’s probably power and power-sharing. Reconciliation is necessary among all peoples in Syria. We should see the reality of Syria and should include the will of the people.”
