Syria’s Democratic Kurdish Unity Party Secretary Mihyedin Şêx Ali spoke to ANF Arabic.

There are many initiatives in the international arena for a solution in Syria. What do all these initiatives point to according to the Democratic Kurdish Union Party?

Arab countries and Turkey have recently reduced their support for organizations under the umbrella of Islam. On the surface, all parties are in agreement now to find a solution to the crisis in Syria, and want this to be done through the United Nations. Without a doubt, we have been struggling to overcome this crisis situation since the beginning.

This situation itself will prevent violence in Syria. The state institutions will take on their roles again. But some dark forces still want to have fear reign. Like lone wolves, they carry out suicide attacks in cities among civilians. These attempts prevent peace and create chaos. Such attempts are unacceptable for the peoples of Syria.

“TURKEY IS CONCERNING”

As a result of their meetings, Russia, Turkey and Iran have come to an agreement on the framework of a secure zone. But these zones are within Syrian territory. How do you think these relationships will continue?

Turkey settling in some villages in Idlib is seen as concerning in the region. The coordination center Turkey created in Jarablus and Azaz and their plans to attack Efrîn, and Aleppo in the future, are seen as concerning. Especially Turkey’s relationship with Al Nusra and other organizations affiliated with Al Qaeda, which is improving in Idlib, is concerning for the people of the region.

All these attempts by Turkey develop under the umbrella of the secure zone deal made with Russia and Iran, and this will hinder the building of a political solution in Syria once again.

“THE PEOPLE OF EFRÎN ARE READY TO DEFEND THEMSELVES”

How far has Turkey’s plans on Efrîn come? What scenarios they want to invade Efrîn through?

Turkey’s threat against Efrîn are made through the highest ranks of the Turkish state. Right now what they want to do is create fear and prevent people from caring. There are bombings and harrassment with planes every day. AKP’s and MHP’s media also distort the truth and muddy the waters. They make it seem like if Turkey enters Efrîn the crisis in Turkey will end. The people of Efrîn are in preparation to defend themselves without fear. The people of Efrîn are ready to defend their lands. They are ready to fight in unity with YPG and YPJ forces.

But the Turkish state is in an attempt to revive radical organizations again. They want to have these forces settle in Efrîn under the names Artêşa Azad, Hêzên Şoreşger and Unity Forces.

Turkey’s plans to attack Efrîn are no secret anymore. International powers and states see this openly. The people of Efrîn are resolute to defend their lands and continue their rightful struggle strongly. Turkey’s project is certain to collapse in Efrîn.

Right now, the SDF forces are on the perimeter of Efrîn and Regime forces are in the city center. Do you think there will be clashes between these two forces in the coming period?

As far as I know, the SDF has never attacked the Regime forces. SDF’s main goal is to clear organizations like ISIS from the region. There haven’t been any clashes between these two forces due to interests and balances in the region. I believe it’s right o say this without heeding some officials in the Regime forces.

ELECTIONS

What do you think about the Federal Elections? And, what would you say about what forces like the “Syrian Opposition” and the ENKS say about the federal elections?

The federal elections were held on December 1. All peoples living in Northern Syria participated in the elections. Respecting these elections is a duty. In the general sense, the elections were a success. It is significant to hold such elections so the rights to vote and run for election sink in. And the elections have also brought forth the non-central federal type of an administration.

During the election process, those who wanted to prevent the situation by calling a boycott lost on their own because they didn’t have the strength anyways.

How do you see the election results? What kind of projects will you have in the coming process about the federation administration?

Tens of thousands of people cast their vote to the Democratic Kurdish Unity Party in Efrîn, Kobanê and Cizirê cantons. Our party ran in the Syrian Kurds National Alliance list. We are not talking about secrets, our friends didn’t seek to get immense amounts of votes, our goal was more to have the elections conclude in success.

We continue our efforts. We translate our program to Kurdish and Arabic. Our program is printed and distributed everywhere so we reach all our sympathizers in the region and all our people.

We are an important constituent of the non-central federal system. Considering Syria’s situation, multi-colorism and equality are signs for that. Our goal is to defend our lands in unity, and to protect and rebuild life together.

“OUR CRITICISM AIMS TO PROTECT”

The word is that your party has a successful back and forth with the Democratic Autonomous Administration, and on the other hand, you say all the shortcomings are the Administration’s fault. But you take credit for all success. Some of your colleagues have made statements that are attacks against the PYD. How do you handle those?

It’s not a matter of success, it’s a matter of a consciousness of duty. The positive meetings with the Administration are transparent, this is of course to protect and develop the administration. Because from the beginning, the Administration emerged as a historic necessity. It is necessary to carry out the works the people need and to protect the region from enemy forces and gangs like ISIS. It is also a necessity for a common and peaceful life.

Of course mistakes and shortcomings will emerge and we will criticize them, but the purpose of criticism is to protect, to reform. It’s not our goal to create conflict in favor of party interests, or to rile up any one side against the administration.

We as the Unity Party never claimed to be successful, but we said we are present on the field and that we have contributed to the current situation. Only the martyrs and veterans of the YPG and YPJ and their families can say they have been successful and they own the success and the gains.

About our relationship with the PYD, it is the party of two martyrs, Osman Dadili and Isa Hiso. Of course the relationship is brotherly. We can come together in many duties and responsibilities. Many people know about this. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be criticism, and the criticisms are based on respect.