On June 7, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announced that it opened Semelka Border Gate, which it had closed unilaterally on March 16, after the criticism of civilians and political party representatives. Semalka Border Gate Director Aras Fetah spoke to Roj News Agency and stated that the KDP opened the border only for publicity purposes, and has been preventing the passage of many people.

‘TRADERS ARE PRESSURED’

Aras Fetah described what has happened since June 7, when Semelka Border Gate was reopened, and said that only 13 vehicles were allowed to cross the border on the first day it was opened. KDP forces then pressured traders and only allowed them to transport a maximum of 25 tons of goods. Only 6 tons of sugar were allowed the pass the border on June 9, and 100 tons of sugar were permitted on June 11. Fetah said that many of the goods traders brought to the border gate were not allowed into Rojava, and those that were permitted were decided upon arbitrarily.

‘PASSAGE FROM ROJAVA NOT PERMITTED’

Fetah noted that KDP officials banned the passage of goods from Rojava into South Kurdistan, and prevented the passage of most civilians aiming to enter South Kurdistan.

‘NOBODY ALLOWED ACCESS INTO ROJAVA, INCLUDING JOURNALISTS’

Regarding the passage of civilians from South Kurdistan to Rojava, Fetah stated that only people with Rojava identities were granted passage and others including foreign journalists have been prevented from entering Rojava.