WEST KURDISTAN, — For the first time in history, there has been a Meeting between the Kurdish Political Assembly which includes nine Kurdish political parties, the General Council of Alliance which includes two Kurdish parties, and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party – PYD, in response to the emerging situation that is gripping the country, to co-ordinate their response because of its historical significance at all levels.
Inside Syria we are witnessing an unprecedented popular movement. The Meeting felt that these peaceful protests are legitimate and just. Those dealing with these protests call for genuine reforms, and seek freedom and democracy in a situation that is still dominated by security solutions that are violent and where civilians are killed. The Meeting is concerned that the security solutions remain the same, and tension is increasing.
The Meeting calls for an acceleration in the pace of reforms in all areas towards peaceful democratic change, the abolition of one-party state, recognition of the principle of political, cultural and national pluralism, and in pursuance of dialogue with all spectrums of Syrian society through an inclusive National Conference. The Meeting considers that such a National Conference should consider effective solutions for all those in Syria, including the Kurds, as the best option to contain the current crisis.
The meeting noted that powerful and urgent measures are needed to de-escalate and defuse the tensions, including:
- The release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience; permission for Syrian expatriates to safely return; and the abolition of the bans on leaving the country that are imposed on those currently inside Syria;
- The cancellation of the State of Emergency, closure of the exceptional Courts, and an end to political arrests;
- The holding of an investigation through a fair and transparent process into the violence and killings, to hold accountable those responsible; and to accelerate compensation for all those affected including the families of the martyrs killed in peaceful protests, including Kurds.
- A full abolition of Article VIII of the Constitution that puts power of the State in the hands of the Ba’ath Party, and of its consequences; and to ensure the separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers.
- Constitutional recognition of the fact that the second largest nation in the country is the Kurds, on the basis of protecting the unity of the country.
The meeting is convinced that this is the path to ensure the transition of the country from its current unsustainable situation to a calm and peaceful democratic era.