Istanbul — “We can create a platform for dialogue about peace instead of a platform that speaks about weapons,” with these words, Ilham Ahmed stressed the importance of strengthening peace initiatives and opening channels of dialogue among all parties. She emphasized that stability in Syria is closely linked to stability in Turkey, as achieving peace in both countries will have a positive impact on the Middle East.

Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the External Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, participated via video link in the first day of the International “Peace and Democratic Society” Conference held in the city of Istanbul. In her speech, she affirmed that “gathering to speak about peace is a great honor for us.”

She pointed out that “discussions and meetings related to peace are extremely important. At a time when a deep crisis is unfolding in the Middle East and the world, while devastating wars continue and killing, destruction, and genocide persist in many regions, it is of utmost importance that the issue of peace in Turkey is discussed. We know that leader Abdullah Öcalan has played a central and decisive role in creating opportunities in this regard, and therefore I would like to express my gratitude for his efforts and his honorable stance in taking this step under the harsh conditions of isolation he is living in.”

She added, “It is also important that the Turkish side wishes to take a new initiative and step forward, and I find this valuable. I had hoped to attend the conference in person, but unfortunately there are still some obstacles and restrictions that must be overcome to establish a solid basis for dialogue. We hope these obstacles will be removed so that we can move forward with this process in a more appropriate way. Our demand is clear, and we hope to meet in Turkey soon and continue this dialogue to its fullest.”

Ilham Ahmed confirmed that they are currently going through a new phase in North and East Syria, stating: “We can say that this stage is part of the process of rebuilding Syria. After the fall of the former Syrian regime, we entered a new phase—rebuilding a democratic Syria, a democratic republic. Nevertheless, there are still very serious obstacles today in efforts at rapprochement and at the level of principles. We, the Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, and Turkmen—the main social components of Syria—were deprived of even our most basic rights under the former regime. But now a real opportunity has emerged to build a democratic Syria.”

She noted that “in the new Syria, a system can be built in which all peoples and social groups live together under the framework of law and on the basis of a new Syrian constitution. I would like to say that today, we have this opportunity.”

She continued, “What we need today is dialogue. During the time of the former Syrian regime and with the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, we—Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Assyrians, Yazidis, Christians, and all the peoples of the region—reached an agreement among ourselves. This agreement laid the foundations for the solution project and the Autonomous Administration, based on peaceful coexistence, diversity of society, and the protection of languages, beliefs, and cultures. We also succeeded in guaranteeing women’s freedom on the basis of equality, and we continue to struggle to protect it to this day.”

She explained that “this project was built on the basis of equality between women and men. While other parts of Syria suffered from wars, massacres, and cultural destruction, North and East Syria witnessed a different path of construction. Despite the harsh conditions and repeated attacks we faced, thanks to the system we established and the agreement we reached, we managed to protect ourselves, develop our culture, and preserve it. All peoples of the region received education in their mother tongues, and each group maintained its beliefs and values within the framework of this agreement. Today, we believe that the Autonomous Administration will play a decisive role if a collapse occurs in North and East Syria, or even in Syria as a whole.”

 

“Leader Öcalan’s Influence in Syria Is Clear”

Ilham Ahmed stressed that stability in Syria equals stability in Turkey. If a democratic republic, a democratic system, and a democratic constitution are established in Syria, guaranteeing the rights of all peoples—whether accepted or not—will have a positive effect on Turkey and contribute to its stability as well. Within this idea, approach, and system, leader Abdullah Öcalan stands out.

She noted that “many issues can be resolved through dialogue. Opening the borders was possible in this way, and with an extremely cautious and responsible approach, we feel that the Kurdish issue in Turkey—the issue of democratic transformation—is approaching its goal. Great sacrifices have been made and blood has been shed for many years. Kurdish mothers and Turkish mothers have wept. We hope that the calls for war will fade. Society can strengthen this role, and the Turkish government can also strengthen it. The Turkish people can reinforce this process and increase support for peace. The will and the decision are in their hands.”

 

“Achieving Peace Will Have a Positive Impact on the Middle East”

In her speech, Ilham Ahmed stated that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has affirmed that observations directed at Turkey have a direct impact on Syria as well. She stressed the need to deal cautiously and responsibly with the democratic movement and to strengthen peace initiatives:

“If leader Abdullah Öcalan were free and not isolated, he would be able to play a greater role in convincing public opinion and contributing more effectively to dialogue and negotiations inside Turkey, which would accelerate the peace and resolution process and enhance its impact.”

She pointed out that the role of Turkey and Syria is extremely important in this historical phase, as the Middle East is undergoing reshaping. Achieving peace in these two countries would ensure comprehensive stability, pave the way for solutions, strengthen democracy, and have a positive effect on the Middle East.

“Today, there must be openness toward peace instead of hesitation. There should be more exchange and communication. We want our counterparts in Turkey to be with us and to be able to visit one another. We can create a platform to talk about peace instead of one to talk about weapons. We are not a party to the division of states—neither Syria nor any project against it—because we know that division forms the basis for new wars. And because we believe in peace, we attach great importance to coexistence. We firmly believe in a collective way of life in which Kurds, Arabs, Turks, Turkmen, and all other peoples live together. We have built this system to this day, and we will continue striving to realize it with determination everywhere and under all circumstances.”