Democratic Syria Congress seeking a resolution to the crisis in Syria has kicked off in Dêrîk city earlier today under the slogan “Towards building of a free and democratic Syria”. The congress is being participated by 103 delegates representing Syrian political, military and societal opposition organisations.

The opening speech of the congress was made by Cizîr Canton Executive Council President Ekrem Hiso on behalf of the General Coordination of Rojava Cantons.

Hiso stated that the congress is being realised on the basis of an aim to create a common ground of work for a united, contemporary and federal Syria, adding; “The peoples of the Middle East demand their rights. In Rojava Revolution as well, our peoples have demanded their legitimate and incontestable rights. The Democratic Autonomy Administration declared on 21 January 2014 has been one of the products of this sacred revolution. The people of Rojava have proved themselves capable of leading the democratic Syrian revolution on a peaceful basis. In the Syrian lands where the third world war is taking place today, our martyrs, YPG/YPJ combatants, asayish (public security) and self-defense forces have achieved major accomplishments thanks to their self-sacrificing resistance. The Rojava land that has succeeded is a part of democratic Syria.”

Drawing attention to a need for a force to represent the common will of all Syrian peoples and those believing in democracy, Hiso said the basis for this was formed in the military field after the clearance of south Hesekê and Hawl town of ISIS. He added; "This force has manifested itself to be a national force of Syria, in the accomplishment of which the experience of Rojava has played a role. On this basis, we hope our congress will promote the organisation of a political umbrella that will involve all Syrian peoples, defend their rights, represent their political will in regional and international arena, and act under the influence of no regional power."

Noting that the crisis in Syria has entered its fifth year, Hiso said "We will work to end the dictatorial regime on the basis of a resolution in accordance with the geographical and historical distinctness; to protect the legitimate and incontestable rights of all Syrian peoples on the basis of an approach led by women's freedom -the basis of collective freedom- and youth's dynamism; and to build a democratic Syria.”

Ekrem Hiso paid tribute to the martyrs, thanks to whom -he said- this congress is being realised today, and saluted the combatants of Syrian Democratic Forces (QSD), YPG/YPJ, Asayîsh, Natora, Al-Sanadîd and Sutoro forces.