PYD (Democratic Union Party) co-chair Salih Muslim spoke at a meeting in Moscow, where he gave information about the Kurds' strategy in Syria. Muslim emphasised that at this juncture they were neither on the side of the Syrian regime that is persecuting its people, nor on the side of the opposition that is becoming increasingly reactionary. Muslim added that they took the democratic struggle as their starting point and were defending themselves against attacks.

Salih Müslim of the PYD, who is carrying on meetings in the Russian capital, Moscow, spoke at the Kurdish Cultural Centre. The meeting was attended by representatives of Kurdish organisations in Moscow, Kurdish exile and diaspora Kurds.

Salih Müslim emphasised the importance of not making mistakes, since in such periods mistakes can have serious consequences. He added that there were many forces trying to manipulate the Kurdish movement in Rojava, and that against these forces they were endeavouring to ensure the people's will was paramount.

Muslim continued: "We are establishing joint assemblies in Rojava with the Armenians, Assyrians, Syriacs and Arabs, as for us the unity of peoples is important. Regimes based on tyranny are being demolished, and radical Islam and nationalism are being encouraged.

But the Kurds do not have to select either of these. Internal and external enemies wish to destroy unity amongst the Kurds. The Kurds must realise this and take a stand against it. This century can be the Kurds' century. We must strengthen our unity against all dangers."

Salih Muslim said there were a variety of views regarding the future of Syria, adding that if the Geneva II conference did not recognise the will of the Kurds they in turn would not recognise this conference. “But the Kurds have an important role, without them a conference cannot achieve a result and cannot succeed. If they don't permit the Kurds to attend then the Kurds will have the right to deny recognition. For a true peace and a bright future it is necessary for the Kurds to attend this conference" Muslim underlined.

The French representative of the PYD, Dr Khalid Isa, provided information regarding discussions held with Russia. He said they had exchanged views on Geneva II, and that Russian officials had told him that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and the USA did not want the Kurdish question to be discussed at the conference.

Also speaking at the conference, BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) Şırnak MP Hasip Kaplan said that the initiative launched by Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan was progressing in all spheres, emphasising that they were aware of provocations intending to sabotage the initiative.