Human and Freedom Party (PIA) co-chair Ahmet Kaya told ANF that all Kurds’ attention is focused on Rojava and added: "100 years ago during the First World War, the Kurds had the opportunity to establish their own state or gain a status. This opportunity was wiped out by the Treaty of Lausanne. Kurdistan was divided into four parts and shared between four states. After 100 years, two of these states, Iraq and Syria, can no longer continue their existence as a united body. It does not seem possible for the current system to continue. The new conditions that have emerged in Rojava now offer the Kurds the opportunity to govern themselves again after 100 years and to formalize the status they have gained."

Unity is important

Kaya emphasized that Kurds should be very careful in this process and do everything necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. He said: "Relations with influential states in international and world politics should be strengthened, and political and diplomatic activities should be increased. Relations established on the ground so far should be carried even further, especially with powerful circles. Similarly, ties have developed with the peoples living in the region and local powers should be strengthened even more. Establishing a single representation on behalf of the Kurds is of great importance. This representation should include the Kurds in Rojava and other parts and should be built on the basis of an agreement. When such a structure is established, Kurds can no longer be ignored. The Kurdish nation is a colorful nation consisting of different beliefs, traditions and ideas. A representation based on this diversity will strengthen the Kurds. Powers that enter into relations with the Kurds through such a new structure will act with the knowledge that this mechanism represents all Kurds."

Huge price paid

Kaya warned that the risk of major powers with political interests on the ground acting on the Kurds’ differences and developing policies against them is greater than ever, and added: "We should take this risk developing within ourselves into consideration and be careful. They could push the Kurds out of the new balance in this way. Therefore, we should be careful and take this opportunity seriously. The achievements in Rojava are the result of struggle and resistance. They were not given as a favor by others. The Kurds have reached this point by going through difficult processes. Protecting and making permanent the achievements gained as a result of this struggle requires great effort. Therefore, the gains of the people should be prioritized over other interests. It would be a great mistake to forget and squander these achievements."