ANKARA- Speaking before the Rojava draft resolution to be voted on in the European Parliament this week, Ilaria Salis stated that the Kurdish identity and self-government should be constitutionally guaranteed, and that the democratic model is a guarantee of resistance, stability and peace against global imperialism.
On January 6, HTS, ISIS and Turkish-affiliated gangs launched attacks on Aleppo and turned towards Rojava. With these attacks, both genocide was wanted to be committed against the Kurds and especially to eliminate the women's revolution. After the ever-growing resistance, an integration and agreement was signed between the SDF and HTS on January 30. However, despite the agreement, the siege continues in Kobane. Regarding this, activism and diplomatic work continue in the international arena.
Ilaria Salis, MEP of the Greens and the Alliance of the Left (Alleanza Verdi and Sinistra) from the Left Group of the European Parliament, talked about the situation in Rojava and the siege of Kobane and the work they will do in the European Parliament on this issue.
Why is Rojava targeted?
Ilaria Salis said that there are many reasons for the attacks intensified over Rojava and that the women's libertarian, pluralistic and egalitarian structure of the region has become a target. "The political model that has so far become a concrete reality in the autonomous administration in northeastern Syria scares many regional and authoritarian actors, countries such as Turkey or jihadist governments such as the Syrian Transitional Government. Because this model itself goes beyond confederalism and the nation-state model. Of course, this is the first reason why it was attacked. There are two other reasons why the states in the region, especially Syria, but also Turkey, are attacking this model: women's empowerment and social justice. Look, this model is an example not only for the region, but for the whole world. I think Europe should also take this model as a positive example. Another is the idea of pluralism. Pluralism; It allows peoples with different religions, languages and cultures to live in a peaceful and democratic environment. So I think it needs to be looked at from a broader perspective, not just a regional one. I think this is the reason for this attack."
'We will discuss the Rojava agenda in the EP this week'
Stating that it is a great shame that the international community ignores this issue, especially considering the role of the Kurds in creating this democratic proposal in the region, Ilaria Salis said, "I would like to share the work I have done on this issue in the European Parliament and the results we have achieved so far. On Tuesday this week, there will be an agenda in the plenary session on the situation in northeast Syria. On Thursday, we will vote on a resolution after the attacks. We will make a decision, but of course we have to see the final result of this decision. Of course, the decision will be negotiated between different political groups in parliament. I will personally undertake this agenda and participate in the negotiations."
'The first issue is to establish an observer commission to follow up on the agreement'
"Our first main focus in the parliament is on humanitarian aid in the region and monitoring the process," Ilaria Salis said, talking about the topics they will discuss in the EP as follows: "Therefore, we state that humanitarian aid corridors should be opened in all regions inside Syria and across the border, including Kobane. The purpose of these corridors should not be limited to the delivery and monitoring of humanitarian aid. Corridors should never be temporary and should not be under military pressure. We would also like to include in this resolution the need to establish an international observer commission to monitor the ceasefire and compliance with the agreements. Because we know that this is not normally the case and we want to protect civilians. This is the first important aspect we want to include in the decision.
Sanctions on those involved in diplomatic pressure and attacks
The second thing we think we can do from here, that is, from Europe, is to include in the text of the resolution: the EU and European states to initiate and exert diplomatic pressure on the Syrian government and Turkey, the states involved in the attacks. This is to diplomatically isolate these countries and send a message to European states that the political partnership with Syria will proceed fundamentally on respect for human rights, democracy and the pluralistic system of government. In addition, for the Kurdish people and all other peoples who want to live democratically in the region, we aim to impose multi-targeted sanctions on individuals or organizations responsible for human rights violations and other attacks, instead of general sanctions. However, we will call on states that are currently in political cooperation with al-Shara to immediately end this proxy relationship."
'Kurdish identity, language and administration should be guarantors'
"So secondly, states need to exert political pressure on those who are currently attacking," Ilaria Salis said, adding, "The first thing we think is important for stability and self-government in the region is to guarantee constitutional rights and democratic self-government. This means the recognition of Kurdish identity, language, education and self-government, and there must be political guarantors of this. This means that the Democratic Autonomous Administration in northeast Syria should be recognized in an international political sense. These will be our views. However, we will see how this progresses during the negotiations. I will defend these demands on behalf of the left group and we will try to negotiate. We must apply this political pressure and refuse to cooperate at the political and economic level with organizations, states and governments that oppose this practice. For example, Ursula von der Leyen visited the Syrian government on January 9, while the attacks were continuing. The attacks on Rojava started a few days ago. He not only visited, but also promised money to finance the transition process in Syria. Therefore, what we can do is stop such cooperation and put pressure on states that continue to attack the Kurds."
'This revolution is the revolution of all women'
Emphasizing that the democratic confederalism system should be further expanded instead of targeting the model implemented in the region, Ilaria Salis said, "We must make this political system internationally recognized not only in Syria but also in other areas across the border. I think people in the region can find the best strategy to achieve this goal. What we can do from the outside is to put pressure on the international community to exert diplomatic pressure on states that prevent the achievement of this goal. For instance, women's empowerment is not just about gender equality; it's much more than that. Because in this region, women play important roles and positions in political decision-making and in the army. This is unusual; not only for this region, but for the whole world. This is a great thing and needs to be defended. Of course, this revolution is the revolution of all women. The support of women around the world is also related to this, because this model serves as an example for us. I think the pluralist model should be protected and defended. We know that this has a much broader meaning, not just for the Middle East."
'Guarantee of peace and democratic development in the region'
"But if we look at how things are developing at the global level; We are in an environment where more and more wars are taking place, rearmament has started in Europe, anti-war models are being prevented, and the racist far right is getting stronger in Europe and the USA," said Ilaria Salis, adding, "This is based on pluralism; The model, which is based on the coexistence of peoples with different languages, religions and cultures, should not only be defended in the Middle East, but should be a model that should be followed elsewhere as well. Because with this model, the world would definitely be a better place. In my opinion, the confederalism system can be a guarantee of peace and democratic development in the region. But the problem is that the world is not moving in a democratic direction. It is swinging in authoritarian directions, and this is not only in the Middle East, but also in Europe and the United States. This is the general picture. That is why we must defend this model; Because it is the guarantee of peace."
'It is a revolution that needs to be protected'
Stating that peace can only be guaranteed by providing the model, Ilaria Salis said, "The guarantee that we can go beyond the nation-state model can be achieved in this way. Otherwise, there is a risk of increasing the spheres of influence that lead to imperialism. Acting together also strengthens resistance against imperialism. Imperialism; It is a phenomenon that is getting stronger in the world, from the USA to Russia. However, the idea of democratic confederations is a real alternative in today's world. Today's world is gradually drifting into war and imperialism. So this is a revolution that must be preserved, and it is a revolution that must happen for us. We must fight for it every day; But we should also do it in different parts of the world."