Democratic Union Party (PYD) Co-president Asya Abdullah said they believe the solution to problems in Syria lies in the cantonal system.

PYD Co-president Asya Abdullah has been in Geneva for the third round of consultation meetings seeking a solution to the civil war in Syria. She said the PYD had been invited to the meetings and that they would attend all meetings that aimed to bring about a democratic Syria, adding that they would put forward the view at these meetings that the answer to Syria’s problems lay in the cantonal system established in Rojava. Abdullah called for support for Rojava, adding: “People should not think the threat has gone away. The people living there have increasing needs.”

ANF spoke to Democratic Union Party (PYD) Co-president Asya Abdullah prior to the 3rd round of peace talks to be held in Geneva, which will begin on 4 May.

‘The cantonal system is very important for the future of Syria’

The 3rd round of Geneva peace talks are due to start on 4 May. You have also been invited. How do you evaluate these talks and what demands will you raise?

From the outset we as a party have advocated a political solution both for Syria and for Rojava. Thanks to the resistance in Rojava a democratic system has been established in 3 separate cantons. This is important for the Kurds and for other communities living there and also has a significance for the future of Syria. As a party we have always stressed that a political solution is inevitable. We are thus in favour of dialogue to ensure the creation of a democratic Syria.

The 2 previous meetings to which the PYD was not invited did not produce anything substantial. How important do you think this meeting will be?

The previous meetings were not successful because not all parties were represented. We believe all parties should be involved. We attach importance to these talks, but we do not expect them to solve all existing problems. However, it is important to make a start. We will raise the cantonal system as a project to establish a democratic Syria, as the gains of this system in Rojava are plain to see.

‘It is important for opposition forces to come together’

The other opposition forces will also attend these talks. What do they promise the people of Syria?

There is great chaos in the Middle East. There is an urgent need for a solution. If a real solution is to be found the opposition forces must work together. International forces have a role to play, but more importantly the opposition must try to work together.

‘The peoples want a democratic, autonomous solution’

The political solution discussed should take into account the wishes of the people, who want the war to end so they can return to their homes. What the people want already exists in Rojava. It is important to discuss this option for the whole of Syria.

What is the scale of the problems being experienced in Rojava?

Firstly, there is a great resistance going on in Kobanê and Cizire cantons against ISIS. However, the forces supporting ISIS are continuing to provide it with weapons and recruits and it is stepping up its attacks. We are defending humanity and the people living there against these savage attacks. International forces should provide us with substantial aid so that we can maintain our resistance.

‘Rojava has been encircled, a corridor must be opened’  

In spite of the struggle, Rojava has been encircled. Borders remain closed and we cannot carry on trade. This is a humanitarian matter, and the UN and human rights organisations must address it. Efforts must be made to open a civilian corridor. When people from Afrin attempt to meet their needs by crossing the border into Turkey they are arrested or shot.  They have no other choice as the border crossings are closed. People have begun to return to Kobanê, which needs to be rebuilt. In order for this reconstruction to take place a corridor is needed.

‘Nothing is over, the threat persists’

From what you are saying it is apparent that Rojava has a need for everything. However, the impression here is that the revolution has been accomplished and completed. What do you think about this?

The process of revolution is not over and ISIS attacks continue. There are fierce clashes taking place in many places in Kobanê and Cizire cantons, while Afrin canton is under an economic blockade. Our people living in Europe have an important role to play in having the embargo on Rojava lifted.

Support must continue’

Everyone must join the struggle for the reconstruction of Kobanê, as people are returning but there is nothing left there. Thousands are homeless and people have no source of income. We await national and international support to find solutions to these problems.