PYD Co-Presidency Council member Foza Yusif said that the 19 July Rojava Revolution was a milestone for the peoples of North-East Syria at many levels, and that they are trying to make a revolution in all of Syria.

Foza Yusif spoke to ANF on the occasion of the anniversary of the 19 July Rojava Revolution.

The Rojava Revolution has left 10 years behind. What has changed during this time?

We are entering the 11th year of the revolution. These 10 years have been a milestone for the peoples of Northern and Eastern Syria on many levels (social, democracy, language and freedoms). The spring of the peoples took place with the 19 July Revolution in North-East Syria. The invading ruling anti-democratic forces are very disturbed by this and that’s why they are so hostile to this project. This is a 21st century project. It is the strongest project of democratization. It is based on society and women. Fascist racist forces that do not want change and transformation see this as a threat to themselves.

A great struggle has been waged since the beginning of the revolution. There were very heavy attacks against the revolution. There has been great resistance so far. The peoples of Northern and Eastern Syria are struggling in every field to defend the 19 July Revolution. Undoubtedly, we have faced many difficulties so far, but the people of the region, with all their components, live on the basis of a Democratic Nation and Autonomous Administration. On this basis, a great struggle is being waged to perpetuate this system and its gains.

At what stage are the attacks on the revolution?

The war has been waged in many ways, including by keeping North-East Syria out of the constitutional committee until now. Many forces were organized for the destruction of the revolution. Today, we face a great threat. A great war is being waged against us. We give martyrs and injured people on a daily basis, we pay the price for our freedom. No doubt we know the reasons. Today, with the 19 July Revolution, an alternative is being created for a solution in the Middle East. The 19 July Revolution offered a new system and a new life for the people of the region. This system has been a great breakthrough and hope for all peoples. The enemies don't want this to develop. This revolution and its permanence affect other peoples as well. There is a solution for all social problems in this revolution.

Today, there is a threat of attack led by the Turkish state. Turkey attacks every day. In order to eliminate this threat, the peoples of the region are united and determined. We can say that more than ever that all public components are aware that there is no solution other than the Autonomous Administration. Other ways will just bring to chaos and instability.

What are the obstacles to this revolution which aims to solve the crisis in Syria?

The address of peace and freedom are the Autonomous Administration and the Democratic Nation. There is great commitment, resistance and determination. So far, many agreements have been made against the people of the region. There were meetings. Since the Syrian people did not participate, it both caused great pain and deepened the crisis, and these agreements and meetings were rejected by the people of Northern and Eastern Syria. We continue to say that the solution is not to be sought outside Syria. The problem is in Syria, and the solution must be developed in Syria. It should be developed with the will of the Syrian people. Neither Geneva nor Astana has so far brought any solution for Northern and Eastern Syria. These meetings did not take into account the interests of the region and all Syrian peoples. They were based on the interests of other states. Indeed, many negative hostile decisions came out from these meetings. If the crisis continues in Syria today, the reason is these meetings. They are deepening the problems.

On 19 July, Putin, Erdogan and al-Assad will meet in Tehran. Looking at the date of the meeting, what results can it bring?

It is politically significant to hold this meeting in Tehran on 19 July. All meetings held are against the interests of the Syrian peoples. We will not accept this situation. We will fight against this. We will declare our will on this matter. We will resist and fight against decisions that will disrupt Syria's security and unity and frighten the Syrian peoples.

If the meeting to be held in Tehran becomes a continuation of Astana, chaos will be deepened. It won’t serve Syria and its people. The will of the Syrian peoples should be heard in matters concerning Syrians. If the will of the people is not heard, the results of the meeting will undoubtedly be handled by ourselves and we will give our answer. Undoubtedly, all the meetings so far have been against us and the people of the region. In fact, the result of these meetings and alliances have caused great wars. We, as the peoples of Syria, must develop our alliance against these reactionary alliances and meetings. As the peoples of Syria, our destiny is one. As long as we are clear with each other, we can eliminate the concerns of those outside Syria.

How is the 10th anniversary of the revolution received in the region?

The peoples of Northern and Eastern Syria welcome 19 July with great enthusiasm. We are preparing to celebrate with big events. The revolution is facing major attacks. We must strengthen our internal unity, organization and defense system. Just as we started this project with our own strength, we will carry this project to victory with our own strength. There is no reliance on other states. They are working for their own interests after all. Look at the situation in Ukraine, they destroyed a country as a result of international agreements and war. If we stick to one, defend our goal and organize ourselves with democracy, no one could stand in our way. We must act knowing this.

In the last 10 years, we have faced many attacks. We accomplished this revolution with our common will and thanks to the millions of friends who support us around the world. We must believe in our strength and determination. If we trust this and increase our struggle, the whole world will be behind us. Let's increase our struggle by believing in our own will. We started the 19 July Revolution with this determination, and despite all the attacks, we have been continuing our resistance for 10 years. We are trying to make a revolution for all of Syria and all peoples. Let's make the revolution and its gains permanent.