Asia Abdullah, co-chair of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), delivered a powerful speech at the party’s third congress in Jazera (Cizîrê) Canton on Monday, urging unity and solidarity among the people of North and East Syria to confront ongoing attacks in the region.
The congress, held under the slogan ‘Organisation and protection is the basis for building a free democratic political society,’ brought together 350 delegates from across the canton at the Zana Hall in Qamishli (Qamişlo).
Asia Abdullah began her speech by honouring those who have fallen for the Rojava Revolution and emphasised the significant responsibilities that lie ahead for the PYD during these critical times. “We are in a very important stage, and historical responsibilities fall on our shoulders,” she said, reflecting on the 21 years of continuous struggle by the PYD since its establishment in 2003. She credited the escalation of their movement to the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives for the cause.
Asia Abdullah highlighted the tireless efforts of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, who has been in a Turkish prison for 25 years under strict isolation. She described Öcalan’s resistance as historic and reiterated that the PYD’s primary mission is to intensify the struggle against his isolation. “The main task of everyone, led by the PYD, is to escalate the struggle against isolation, it is our main mission,” she declared.
Touching on recent developments, Abdullah condemned the recent attacks by Damascus government forces on the Deir ez-Zor (Dêrezor) area and expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. She also reminded the audience of the significant role played by the People’s Protection Units (YPG), Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and the Kobani (Kobanê) resistance in securing areas now controlled by the Syrian government. “If the Syrian government now controls some areas, it is thanks to the resistance and struggle of the YPG, the YPJ and the Kobanê resistance,” she stated, emphasising that the unity of the people will be crucial in standing up to these attacks.
As the congress continued, discussions were scheduled to focus on reports from the party’s work in Jazera Canton and the activities of the party’s women’s council. The congress will conclude with the election of a new co-chair and PYD council.
