The Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) issued a written statement on the anniversary of the uprising on 12 March 2004 in Qamishlo.

The statement said: "A major conspiracy was set up against the Kurdish people on 12 March 2004. This conspiracy was the continuation of an international conspiracy planned and organized by some extremist Baathists in Syria. Their aim was to destroy the will of the people, to break our resistance, to destroy our culture, values ​​and gains. The aim was to create sectarian conflict between Arabs, Kurds and other components of the region. But these attempts were answered by a popular uprising, and a strong and united will to defeat the conspiracies."

Emphasizing that the "uprising had spread to all cities in Rojava and major cities in Syria," the statement continued: "The 12 March uprising turned into a global event that attracted the attention of the international community. The Syrian regime experienced a political, economic and social crisis and abroad, it started to lose its political balance and weight, which has continued until today."

'Chauvinism and racism exposed'

The statement added: "The expression 'Kurds are an important part of the Syrian national network' in the words of the then regime president was an important statement towards solution steps, peaceful dialogues and the implementation of reforms in Syria, and the beginning of peace. However, the intervention of the fascist Turkish state in Syria led to the peaceful political process failing.

From that moment on, the fascist Turkish state operated to ensure that the Syrian regime evaded its moral responsibilities and obligations.

In particular, the Democratic Autonomous Administration model, which represents all cultures of Syrian society, still shows the same attitude towards writing a democratic, pluralistic, independent Syria and a democratic constitution that guarantees the recognition of Syrian national identity.”

The statement said: “At a time when the Turkish state is violating Syrian airspace and many regions, Afrin, Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî, are occupied by Turkey and its mercenaries, and other parts of the Syrian territory are trying to be separated from Syria, this regime is slandering the Kurdish people with anger and hatred. We see that the situation in Syria is deteriorating and there is a great and dangerous political vacuum everywhere. The continuation of chaos means the continuation of disaster and death. The reason for this is the deterioration of the economic and social situation. We call on the United Nations and the international community to intervene.

We promise to the martyrs of 12 March uprising and to all the freedom martyrs to intensify the struggle until we reach free social will.”