The Preparatory Committee for the Conference for Unity held a press conference at the headquarters of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Qamishlo.

The statement by Committee members Luqman Ehmed and Hêvîn Mistefa said:

‘The rapid developments and accompanying changes in the Middle East and Syria directly affect the Kurdish people in Syria. Especially after the overthrow of the Baath Party regime, it has become imperative for all of us to work together for the national demands that serve the rights and interests of our people.”

The statement continued: “On this basis, we announce that we have started preparations for a Kurdish conference with the participation of Kurdish parties, independent personalities and civil society organisations. Our preparatory committee, consisting of representatives of different parties, will work for a common position to realise the hopes of our people in this important process and will continue its preparations for the conference in question.”

The statement listed the objectives of the Kurdish Conference as follows:

“Formulation of the Kurdish demands for unity; presentation of common views to express the rights and demands of the Kurdish people in Syria.

Formation of diplomatic and political committees representing the Kurdish people, and development of relations between these committees and the relevant sectors inside and outside.

Strengthening the Kurdish National Unity; ensuring the solidarity of Kurdish parties and organisations through discussion methods and overcoming differences.”

The statement concluded: “On this basis, we invite all Kurdish parties, political forces, institutions and independent national personalities to actively participate in this conference. With a response to this call and adoption of joint action plans, this initiative will succeed for the benefit of all.

The current process demands that we all fulfil our historical responsibilities and work for the realisation of the aspirations of our people and the guarantee of their rights.”