Swiss parliamentarians condemned Turkish aggression against North and East Syria during a meeting with representatives of the region’s autonomous administration, as reported on the official website of the administration on Thursday.
Representatives from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) engaged with Swiss parliamentarians and senators in Bern to discuss the pressing issues faced by the region amid Turkish aggression. The meeting, part of the AANES’ ongoing diplomatic efforts, saw Abdul Karim Omar, the autonomous administration’s European representative, and Medea Hassan, co-chair of its Swiss representation, conversing with key members of the Swiss Parliament, including Socialist Party Senator Carlo Sommaruga and MPs Lawrence Fellmann Riel, Fabian Molina and Claudia Friedel.
During the meeting, Omar provided an overview of the AANES, emphasising its commitment to a democratic, decentralised Syria through inclusive governance and gender equality. He highlighted the existential threats posed by Turkish military activities, which have systematically targeted critical infrastructure, leading to widespread deprivation of essential services for millions. Omar’s call for international accountability for what he classified as war crimes was supported by an appeal for urgent assistance to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure and alleviate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Turkish assaults.
The Swiss officials expressed their support for the security and stability of North and East Syria, acknowledging the sacrifices made in the battle against the Islamic State (ISIS). They voiced a clear stance against Turkish attacks, condemning efforts targeting civilian infrastructure and the livelihoods of civilians, and emphasised the international community’s responsibility in addressing these concerns.