A group of revolutionary figures in Raqqa called for the departure of the PYD militia from the city, which they considered a “de facto authority” committing widespread violations against the local population.
In a statement issued on Thursday during the establishment of the Peaceful Movement in Raqqa, revolutionary figures in Raqqa said that their goal is to coordinate efforts and develop the revolutionary and political movement in the province to confront the violations being committed by the PYD militia.
“The peaceful civil movement taking place in Raqqa demanding the departure of the PYD militia, which dominates the political scene in the city, is similar to the movement which the city saw when it joined the revolutionary, nonviolent demonstrations between 2011 and 2012.”
The statement stressed that “the Movement adopts the main demands of the people of Raqqa as it vows to undertake a peaceful struggle to achieve these demands.”
The statement emphasized its commitment to the integrity of the Syrian territory, stressing that Raqqa is an integral part of the Syrian territory. It rejected compulsory conscription and all unilateral measures by the de facto authority. It called for the rehabilitation of the services institutions while it rejected the return of the Assad regime and its repressive apparatuses to the city.
The statement called upon the international anti-ISIS coalition to assume its legal and moral responsibilities in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention and start rebuilding and compensate the families of the victims. It also called for the creation of a safe environment for the return of the population to their areas.
The statement called for “allowing rights groups to enter the city to help families of the missing and absentees to know the fate of their loved ones. It also called for granting these groups access to information available to the international coalition.
Moreover, the statement called for the holding of a local conference that includes all segments of society. It said that the conference should elected a body that should in turn establish a provincial council, an executive office and a judicial authority within 60 days. These elected bodies shall be considered an interim authority until there is a possibility to hold direct, democratic elections according to international standards.
Towns and villages of Raqqa province are witnessing widespread demonstrations and protests against the PYD militia which commits terrorist and authoritarian practices against the civilian population. Demonstrations called for the withdrawal of these militias from the province and allowing the local population to establish a civilian administration. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
