The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) released an 8-point declaration on 18 April 2023 seeking a democratic and peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis and calling on the Syrian regime, Arab countries, political circles, intellectuals, democrats as well as the United Nations (UN) and all international powers to undertake responsibility to this end. AANES representatives have continued their efforts since the day the declaration was made public.

Abdulkarim Omar, the AANES Representative for Europe, held meetings with members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, including Alfonsi Francois, Catherine Langen Sieben, Fabio Castaldo, Javier Nart, Ilan DeBasso and Marisa Matias. The latest developments in North and East Syria were discussed during the talks.

Speaking to ANHA, Omar highlighted the importance of European and international efforts for a peaceful and political solution to the Syrian crisis. According to Omar, efforts in this regard have been prevented so far due to the Syrian regime seeking to return to the pre-2011 period and the opposition parties being foreign-dependent.

Omar noted that the AANES declaration underlines the importance of overcoming the obstacles to a political solution and the participation of all Syrians for the protection of the future of the country.

Members of the European Parliament also attach importance to efforts for a solution to the Syrian crisis and point out that the solution must be in accordance with an international decision and answer the demands of all Syrians, according to Omar.

The MEPs that Omar talked to highlighted the importance of AANES’ participation in the efforts for a solution, stating that: “We are aware of the fact that AANES administers large territories that house millions of Syrians from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. For this very reason, the representatives of AANES should take part in all international talks that concern Syria. In the contrary case, no solution will be achieved to grant the rights of all Syrians and answer their legitimate demands.”

“The MEPs stated that they welcomed the AANES declaration for a political solution, expressing their conviction that it would relieve the suffering of Syrians and that the international community would uphold their responsibilities and duties and provide AANES with all kinds of support and aid,” Omar added.

The MEPs said that they also appreciated the AANES’ determination regarding the trial of ISIS members imprisoned in the region who constitute a threat to the whole world. According to Omar, the MEPs invited all countries to take steps for the repatriation of their nationals with links to ISIS from North-East Syria. They also called for international support for AANES in its efforts to ensure justice.