The Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) has launched a campaign to further develop Autonomous Administration in the region and bring the different components of Syrian society closer together. The campaign, in which intellectuals, tribal elders, women activists, representatives of political parties and population groups are actively involved, is to culminate in a major congress.  

ANHA news agency spoke with Ilham Ehmed, President of the Executive Committee of the MSD, about the expectations of the campaign and the projects within its framework.

What is the significance of the congress you are preparing as MSD?

At the congress, we will deal with the criticisms of Autonomous Administration. The criticisms expressed so far do not mean that Autonomous Administration will no longer be able to govern the region. We must listen to these criticisms and do everything we can to strengthen Autonomous Administration. The first thing we must do is to extend the dialogue between the peoples who live here together.

In order to make the important problems clear in all regions, the possibility for everyone to participate in the congress must be guaranteed. It must be established what is needed where and appropriate developments must be initiated.

Which circles will participate in the congress?

Everyone, whether supporters of the regime or the opposition, must be listened to. We are trying to create a mechanism of criticism of Autonomous Administration. Changes can then be made according to the criticisms. For this reason, participation in the congress is extremely important.

How will such a broad congress be realized?

Before the congress we will organise workshops and panel discussions. The workshops and panels will be held in Qamishlo, Heseke, Deir ez-Zor, Manbij, Raqqa, Tabqa and Kobane. Representatives of the Autonomous Administration will also take part in these events. Many points are to be discussed at the meetings. While talking about the future of Syria, the previously held meetings between parties will also be brought to the table.  Because each has a different position. Some circles support the current administration, others oppose it.

The Autonomous Administration must open a discussion on its practice in terms of politics, security and services. Through the criticisms and proposals, we want to make the model of Autonomous Administration the best model of administration. We must learn from the developments in the region. Delegations from areas outside the Autonomous Administration regions will also participate in this congress.

The Shehba Canton is also included in the Autonomous Administration regions. Why is it not taking part in the congress?

Shehba, and the districts of Sheikh Maqsoud (Şêxmeqsûd) and Ashrafiya (Eşrefiyê) in Aleppo are part of the Autonomous Administration regions. But the situation in Shehba is special. It is not like the east of the Euphrates. The majority of the people in Shehba are internally displaced persons from Afrin. The people there have very big problems and difficulties. You have to take into account the special situation there and set up a special programme for these regions.

What will be the second step after the meetings?

After the panels, large-scale discussion rounds will take place. We will organise meetings with the regional opinion leaders, technocrats, intellectuals, women's and civil society organisations. These meetings will be held in the whole Euphrates region as well as for the Cizire region and will come to a common conclusion. We could consider this conclusion as a social contract. Afterwards, an observation committee will be formed and we will observe the process at close quarters. Finally, the number of participants in the last congress should exceed several thousand. This big congress will be open for the ideas of all.

What will happen after the congress?

The congress will offer important perspectives that will affect all of Syria. From the unity of Syria to a political solution, proposals will be presented. These two points in particular represent the main problems of the country. We will also pass on the results of the congress to the Syrian opposition. Those who are against Autonomous Administration are constantly trying to destroy this project. In order to achieve this, they are endangering the security of the entire region. To prevent this from happening, we must share the results of the congress with everyone. The MSD has developed important projects to solve the Syrian crisis. To implement them, we continue to work with the opposition.

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