RojNews News Agency spoke with co-chair of the East Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Movement (KODAR), Fûad Berîtan about Iran's protests and US pressure on Iran.

What is the basis of the protests of the peoples of Iran? Do these protests have the potential to bring about a change of power or even a revolution in Iran?

The region is currently undergoing changes. External forces want to reshape the Middle East. Iran cannot stay out of this change and transformation. The system of the Iranian regime must change inside. In the current situation, we can say that the Iranian society is oppositional. It is not satisfied with political, military or social leadership. That's why the population is trying to implement a change. As a result of this process, insurrections began last winter. It is an active society that demands that its rights and perspectives change. The society has risen and is looking for a new life and a new system. All components of society demand their rights in all areas of life. Today, the peoples of Iran are increasing the pressure, and if unity emerges against the state, then the people will succeed.

With what goal are the US building economic pressure on Iran? Are these changes for the benefit of the people? If this is not the case, what is the way to develop a political solution against the repressive attitude of the Iranian government?

The Middle East is currently undergoing World War III. The center of this war is Kurdistan. In the center of Kurdistan, a structure and a new model of the system is being developed. This will be a model for the region and the world. What this new model looks like is disputed between the different sides. On the one hand, we have the capitalist system headed by the US and the European states. Then there are the states that have nourished themselves with the nation-state system for years by the blood of the people and oppose the change, Iran is one of them. On the other side there is a third force. This is the power of the people, the own power of society that wants to change the current system and politics.

The US wants to restrict Iran's threats and thus politically control it. They want to force Iran to give up and erode its system and policies. The goal of the US is to restrict Iran in its own politics. They want to build economic and political pressure on Iran and come to an agreement with the opposition against the Iranian regime. In this framework, both sides will suffer damage, both the state and the society. The economic situation of the people will continue to deteriorate. The only solution is that the population puts pressure on the state and demands freedom and justice. And it must not be left to a demand alone, all components of the population must come together and organize on this basis. The state must be forced to change the form of politics and government. Iran can overcome these crises solely through democratic change.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has proven in its 40-year history that it can overcome crises. There was a massive political crisis in 2009, but it was overcome. What are the new crises of the Iranian government and what is the difference of these crises from those in the past?

Iran has been able to overcome the crises with various methods, but it cannot overcome the current crisis without saying anything. It cannot just continue like before. It can prolong his existence to some extent. The Iranian government, however, cannot continue in the current chaos. It is forced to follow the path of change. If it wants to save itself from these crises, then it must recognize the will of the people and strive for democratization. It has to hear the demands of the peoples. It should change its form of government over the people, society and other nationalities. It should develop democracy based on laws. There is no other way for Iran to save itself.

What is the role of the Kurdish people in the protests in Iran and East Kurdistan? Do the peoples of Iran support the rebellions in East Kurdistan? What are the relationships between peoples and how do they work together?

The society in Iran has always lived together and supported each other. They supported each other in the context of demands and protests. If we watch carefully, the serhildan [insurgency] started in Iran and spread to Kurdistan. Now the cities in Kurdistan are leading the protests. The Kurdish people must strengthen their relationships with other identities. They should organize together and enter the political arena together with a common project, plan and voice. If it is scattered and split again, then the Iranian regime can succeed. The peoples of Iran should stand in solidarity with one another.

What is KODAR's handling of the developments and what is the core of the roadmap?

KODAR had previously published a roadmap to the elections in Iran. In this roadmap we talked about the dangers and the existing opportunities. Iran has not answered our demand openly and directly. Now we are preparing a new roadmap for the coming days. There is a need for fundamental change in Iran. The people are no longer persuaded by promises and require practical steps. We want the roadmap to be a contribution to solving the problems of the Kurdish people, the peoples of Iran. We have projects to help solve the political and economic issues, protect the environment and women's rights. We stand for a democratic policy based on the consciousness of a democratic nation. We want to take joint steps with the minorities in Iran. We will send our project to all sites. Of course, a roadmap is not enough, we will do our part in the sense of diplomatic, political and various other methods. If Iran cannot find an answer to this situation and continues to not listen to the demands, then we will find other ways. We are a movement with a great defense force. In this sense, we are in intensive preparation. If these changes take place in Iran, then of course we are not without a plan and program.

What are KODAR's relations with the opposition parties and movements? Are relationships necessary or do they focus on the internal organization of the opposition?

There are two models. One is the nation-state model and, on the other hand, the model we propose, which includes all components of society. That's why our doors are open and we have relations with the Kurdish parties. If we all speak together with one voice, working collectively, we can work with the formula of national unity on the future of East Kurdistan. KODAR is not just aimed at political parties. KODAR is aimed at society, especially women, youth and intellectuals. In this sense, everyone should play their part. In addition, the Kurdish people and all free-thinking people should be prepared for the upcoming developments in Iran. These preparations are both military and organizational. It is possible that there will be a big war. Therefore, our people and everyone should prepare for these changes."