TEV-DEM’s Muslim: No negotiation yet with the Syrian government

Muslim said talks in Damascus important for parties to know each other's intentions.

Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) Foreign Relations Executive Salih Muslim held a press conference on the latest military and political developments in Syria.

The press conference was held at TEV-DEM headquarters in Qamishlo.

Muslim said Syria is still being through a challenging revolution which has been turned into a power struggle many times before and added that the external forces’ direct interventions in Syria are also responsible for the current situation.

Regarding the latest situation in Afrin, Muslim said the following; "Afrin is still under the occupation of Turkey and its mercenary allies that are trying to change the demographic structure of the area by settling thousands of people coming from Damascus, Homs and Daraa in the houses of the people of Afrin that were forced to leave the city.”

Furthermore, said Muslim, the mercenaries continue their attacks on the nature and people and carry on massacres and crimes.  "However, the people of Afrin continue to resist the occupation in the region where they live now and waiting to return to their lands", he added.

Muslim continued, commenting on the meeting held between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) at the former’s invitation in Damascus on July 26. He said; “The meeting took place in a context of talks, and there are great differences between talks and negotiations. This meeting has been set up for the two sides to understand each other's intentions and no formal reconciliation has been reached so far".

Muslim added that the MSD and Northern Syrian representatives were ready for any meaningful dialogue that would benefit the Syrian and Northern Syrian constituents.

TEV-DEM representative pointed out that they would have their conditions in the event that a negotiation with the regime was initiated.

"Our people made great sacrifices to counter terrorism in the region and established autonomous administrations. Now they are self-governing and we will never give up these conditions".

Salih Muslim finally condemned the Suwada massacre and extended their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathy to the wounded.