SORGUL ŞÊXO

Qamishlo- The Peshabur-Semalka border crossing, the only border crossing point between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and North and East Syria, is often closed to impose an embargo on the people. Democratic Unity Party (PYD) Executive Committee Member Perwîn Yûsif spoke to NuJINHA about the issue.

 “The Kurds have been oppressed for thousands of years and the aim is to leave them without status,” Perwîn Yûsif said. Drawing attention to the revolution in Rojava, she said, “The revolution brings historical achievements with itself. The resistance in Kobanê was a great response. It brings the unity and solidarity of the Kurdish people to the fore. The attitude of the Southern Kurdistan regional government and KDP was negative in the face of such a holy revolution. They are not supporters of the Kurdish people. The closure of the Peshabur-Semalka border crossing reveals their position.”

‘The border crossing is used as a tool of oppression’

“The closure of the border crossing was a wrong decision,” Perwîn Yûsif said, “The Peshabur-Semalka border crossing is the only border crossing point between Southern Kurdistan and North and East Syria. Civilians use this border crossing. While the region is under an embargo, closure of the border crossing was a wrong decision. The border crossing is always used as a tool of oppression. Their aim is to displace the people in NE Syria. The states, which could get their share from the war (Syrian civil war), aim to get their share by closing the border crossing. The closure of the border crossing is a special war policy against the people and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).”

 ‘The aim is to make the Autonomous Administration take a step back’

Emphasizing that the system of the AANES is globally known and accepted, Perwîn Yûsif said, “While the AANES is going to be recognized worldwide, the KDP and Southern Kurdistan regional government have a negative stance. Their aim is to make the Autonomous Administration take a step back by closing the border crossing and using different methods. The people react to the closure of the border crossing. Especially women, who need to receive cancer treatment, suffer from this embargo.”

‘The people will be successful in the struggle’

“The closure of the border crossing now serves the aims and objectives of the Turkish state, which currently suffers from a crisis,” Perwîn Yûsif said, “Erdoğan has been intensifying his attacks on Makhmour and all areas in North and East Syria especially after he got less votes (in the presidential election). The Turkish state has carried out war policies against the Kurdish people for thousands of years. Despite that, the authorities of Southern Kurdistan stand by him instead of standing by the Kurdish people. The people of North and East Syria will be successful in the struggle for freedom as they have been for 10 years.”

‘Open the border crossing to the people’

‘The Kurdistan regional government and the KDP must stop betraying their people,’ Perwîn Yûsif said, “The government should not be an enemy of the Kurdish people. Open the border crossing to the people because the revolution in Rojava has become a hope for the Middle East. The initiative started by the Autonomous Administration has paved the way for dialogue and solidarity with Kurdish forces, neighboring states and the government. It has paved the way for the democratization of Syria. It has been recognized by Arab and other countries. The closure of the Peshabur-Semalka border crossing in such a period is actually a message to the countries that recognize and support the Autonomous Administration. We are determined to realize our projects and ideology. We will keep making efforts for the hope and requests of our people. We are also open to dialogues.”