The 17th International Conference on “the European Union, Turkey, the Middle East and the Kurds” at the European Parliament in Brussels continues. On the second day of the conference, which started in the afternoon of 8 March, the situation in North and East Syria was debated as the first theme. On its second day, the conference saw intense participation.

Journalist Ezo Özer from Germany moderated the session titled “The Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria: In the Crossfire of Interests”, where Socialists and Democrats (SD) Member of the European Parliament Andreas Schieder delivered the first speech.

SCHIEDER: TURKEY ESCALATES ATTACKS

Schieder, who is also a member of the EP Kurdish Friendship Group, noted that he had frequently visited Rojava and witnessed an effort to establish a form of government based on principles.

Remarking that women’s organization was very strong in Rojava, Schieder said: “Yet, the conditions are very difficult. Turkey’s drone strikes and other military attacks are very intense. Constant attacks by Turkey lead to civilian casualties. There is no official entry or exit from/to the area. This naturally leads to the emergence of humanitarian and economic problems.”

Schieder pointed out that no aid could be delivered to Rojava in the aftermath of the 6 February earthquake due to the Turkish state’s and the Damascus government’s blocking. He concluded: “Something needs to be done internationally.”

EHMED: INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S RELATION WITH THE REGIME IS UNACCEPTABLE

In her speech in Kurdish, Ilham Ehmed, Co-Chair of the Executive Board of the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD), stated that Syria is one of the regions where democracy and freedoms are strongly needed.

Ehmed noted that 6 million Syrians are already refugees and tens of thousands have lost their lives. She continued: “Despite all the destruction caused by the civil war, we have not lost hope. Still, under the current conditions, especially after the earthquake, the international community acted as if nothing had happened. The international community made direct contact with the Syrian regime. This is not fair. It is unacceptable for the international community to establish a relationship with the Syrian regime under such conditions.”

Ehmed remarked that people living in Syria were currently doomed to starvation: “We saw it after the earthquake, too, that the international community acted as if the regime would resolve all the problems in the country. However, the root cause of all problems is the regime itself. One cannot expect democratic reforms from the regime since it has no intention of democratic change. It continues its genocidal policies.”

Ehmed remarked that Arab countries were also reapproaching the regime in order to break the influence of Iran, and that this was unacceptable. She said that Iran has not penetrated deeply into Syrian institutions.

A CLEAR STAND SHOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST TURKEY'S ATTACKS

“Some may argue that there is no alternative in Syria, but this is a misconception, said Ehmed and cited the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria as an example of alternative.

Ehmed stated that the Syrian civil war ceased to be a priority following the war in Ukraine and added: “Even though Kurdish fighters defended the whole world against ISIS, they have been forgotten.”

Ehmed pointed out that the number of commanders killed by Turkish attacks is higher than the number of those killed by ISIS. She said: “The international community remains silent. Turkey’s concerns are mentioned by citing the PKK's presence in the region. This is an excuse of which Turkey takes advantage. The international community’s silence justifies Turkey's baseless claims. What is the reason for Turkey's hostility? Because the Kurds seek to establish a democratic government. This is an attack on coexistence and democratic system. The Turkish aggression was not incited by the PKK. The hostile attitude towards the Kurds has a long history in Turkey.”

Ehmed emphasized that Rojava people were fighting for their future and the Turkish state was targeting their political system that was established with great difficulty. She said: “We must take a very clear stance against Turkey's attacks in the region. After the earthquake in the region, the PKK declared a ceasefire. This is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed. Turkey can seize this opportunity and offer a solution (…) Instead of escalating hostilities and attacks in the region, Turkey needs to pursue a peaceful policy. The EU should play its role by putting pressure on Turkey.”

Ehmed also noted that the Turkish state destroyed nature in the region. She added: “The international community just maintains its silence. The EU and its member states must protect their own values. We do not request concessions. We expect them to promote their own values and human rights. We want them to take a clear stand against the Turkish government. We want them to recognize that the Turkish presence in Syria is an occupation.”

AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION MUST BE RECOGNIZED

Ehmed insisted that the international community should put pressure on the Turkish state for the recognition of the autonomous administration and a peaceful solution. She unveiled that the western countries did not deliver basic needs and medical supplies to North and East Syria. She concluded: “The democratic autonomy in Rojava must be recognized."

In response to a question, Ehmed said that "guarantors" were needed for the solution to the Kurdish question and Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan should also be considered an interlocutor. She added that “The EU should give support to achieve it.”

Theresa Bielowski, a member of the EP Socialists and Democrats Group from Austria, said that they were aware of Turkey's aggressive stance and added: “We also know that people can no longer bear the problems they have faced."

Bielowski stated that they had a holistic approach concerning the problems in Syria and added: “Solidarity is very important.”

The conference will continue throughout the day.