Zîlan Tanya, co-chair of the Eastern Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Movement (KODAR), commented on the problems and solution perspectives in eastern Kurdistan and Iran in an interview to ANF.

As KODAR, why do you believe that Iran needs to prepare a new solution project?

It can be seen that there are political, social, economic and cultural problems in the Iranian state and the system is facing a dead end. All of this stifles the society. The state does not have the potential to solve this self-inflicted crisis. We do not expect a solution from the state. At the same time, it is not right to say that an external power should come and liberate Iran. The Iranian and Kurdish society will end this crisis. And that's only about the democratic struggle. In order to prevent a worsening of the negative situation and for a better future of the peoples of Iran, we will present a solution project, especially at this stage.

What is your solution to these pressing problems?

The solution project is oriented towards society and its will. The society is able to solve the current problems without any expectations of the state independently, with the help of its capabilities and experiences. Democracy and freedom can only come from the power of the people. An external power cannot impose this on society. The society has to decide. As a movement, we are ready to go with society in order to guarantee the demands of the people politically and socially in every respect. The system is in a dead end. We are ready to give direction for overcoming it.

Which points are particularly present in the solution project?

As already mentioned, political, cultural, economic, social and human rights aspects are crucial in the stagnation of the system. The woman question is an important point. Of course, these aspects are treated primarily. The question of identity of the Iranian peoples is also important. The Kurdish question is important. The Arab, Azerbaijani, Baluchi and even the Persian people face these problems. To solve these problems, a democratic constitution is needed. The addressee is the society itself. The current constitution does not recognize a social diversity.

What does the Kurdish policy of Iran look like and what kind of place does the Kurdish question take in Iran's current crisis?

The main problem of Iran is the Kurdish issue, which is also one of the most important issues of the Middle East. The Kurds are today subjected to cultural, economic and political massacres. They have no identity. That's why their means to live are very restricted. In order to live, they take to the border and face death every day. When they oppose this, they are persecuted as separatists and arrested. Kurdish women who want to reclaim their culture become targets and are exposed to rape, arrests and acid attacks. They are being psychologically tortured. We consider this situation as one of the main problems. The Iranian state is delaying the solution to the Kurdish question.

What parameters are included in the solution project you have prepared as KODAR to solve the Kurdish question?

The Iranian government has to name the Kurdish question. To define it correctly, it must enter into a dialogue with the addressee of the problem. The demands of the parties must be heard and concrete plans and projects are needed to tackle the existing problems. The projects and plans of the Kurdish society must be included. A solution-oriented atmosphere has to be created. The Iranian government is trying to militarize East Kurdistan. There are very strict safety regulations. An end must be put to it. The cultural celebrations and national holidays must be respected; people should be able to celebrate in peace.

How do you handle the women’s question in the solution project?

The women's issue is one of Iran's major problems. Iran is a deeply sexist state. It is a state that turns a blind eye to rapists. There is a culture of rape. Ours is a struggle that has the goal of women's freedom. A struggle that does not respect the freedom and will of women is not a real struggle and cannot bring about social change. The freedom of women is an indicator for us.

Recently, there are discussions about an intervention in Iran. Do you believe that such an intervention will happen and what would be the consequences?

The problems of Iran cannot be solved from the outside. The problems are internal dynamics and can only be solved by society itself. Iran has to change, there is no other way. But to believe that the solution comes from the outside is an expectation that the capitalist states want to create. A true solution will not be achieved. On the contrary, the problems would deepen. The Arab states are proof of that. Iraq cannot get freed of the chaos and the problems are getting bigger and bigger. The same thing could happen to Iran in case of intervention. We are against external interference and fully support a solution through internal social dynamics.

As KODAR, you often emphasize the democratic unity of the peoples. Does this aspect also play a role in the solution project?

This point has always been one of the most important topics for us, because Iran is a mosaic of peoples. Our proposed solution is based on the democratic unity of the peoples. It goes without saying that common democratic projects and struggles are needed for a democratic life together. A free and democratic Iran is only possible through a common struggle.

Today Kurdish society may take on a pioneering role. However, they cannot do it alone. If the Persians, the Azerbaijanis and Baluches and all other peoples of Iran do not fight together, the existing conflicts will never be resolved and a democratic solution would be a long way off. We attach great importance to the common struggle of the peoples against the existing crisis-ridden system. Of course, everyone with their own identity will take their place in this fight. But apart from the peoples' own struggle, there must be a common struggle against the crisis system.