The Union of Lawyers in North-East Syria is holding its second congress in Qamishlo. Over 72 lawyers from North and East Syria are attending the conference which continues on its second day.

On the first day of the congress, speeches were made by the participants, including by the Council of Martyrs’ Families, who expressed their expectation for the union to have their voice heard by the world. The two-year work and report of the union was discussed, the charter was read out and assessed, and the perspectives of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan were presented. The congress will conclude with a final declaration today.

Lawyer Xalid Omer, a member of the Prepatory Committee, stated that the charter would be amended in accordance with the current process. “On its second day, the congress will focus on the trial of ISIS members and the situation of Leader Öcalan. Legal remedies will be presented regarding the crimes committed by the Turkish state in the occupied territories.”

Omer stated that the trial of ISIS mercenaries in North-East Syria could take place in accordance with European Union and United Nations acts. He added that they would also prepare a dossier regarding the latest wave of UAV attacks on the region.

Speaking on the first day of the congress, the Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM) Co-Chair Xerib Hiso commented on the policy of the Damascus government and the crisis in the country in its 11th year.

According to Hiso, the Damascus government thinks it is powerful and dreams of pursuing its current policies for a longer time. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), on the other hand, is ignored by the local and international powers, he said.

Hiso pointed out that the Syrian economy has collapsed, adding: “If there had been a Syria-Syria dialogue, there would not have been such a recession in the economy and other areas of life. The regime is not open to a solution, which makes it responsible for the current confusion and economic collapse.”

Hiso warned that the policies of the Damascus government will pave the way for the imposition of further sanctions in the future, and the price will be paid by the people of Syria alone.

Expressing his opinions regarding the diplomatic efforts, the democratic nation project and the autonomous administration experience, Hiso stated: “Everyone in Syria states that the Autonomous Administration Project is the most suitable solution and supports AANES because of the solutions it presents, and the humane and moral values it bears. AANES defends everyone’s honour. "

Remarking that the Damascus government leaves the AANES declaration for a solution unanswered, Hiso added: “The government has different projects. It wants to return to pre-2011 Syria. Turkey, on the other hand, seeks to implement its neo-Ottoman Project and occupy further territories of Syria.”