The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) held a virtual meeting with the Syrian-American pressure groups Keilapack and Citizens for a Secure and Safe America and discussed with them the situation in east of the Euphrates region and the PYD militia’s violations against people of the region.
The discussion came as part of the efforts the SOC’s Office of Syrian Communities Abroad is making with the aim of reaching out to the various Syrian communities around the world.
Member of the SOC’s political committee, Yasser Al-Farhan, talked about the geographical and economic importance of east of the Euphrates. He said that since the early days of the Syrian revolution, the Assad regime has handed over large swathes of territory in the oil rich region to the PYD militia, which has been involved in widespread violations against the local population, many of which were documented by watchdog groups, including Human Rights Watch.
Member of the political committee, Abdullah Kaddo, also talked about the role of the PYD militia in suppressing the civil anti-regime movement, citing the PYD’s arrest of members and activists of the Kurdish national parties and civil society.
Member of the SOC’s General Assembly, Ahmed Tomeh, talked about the role of the PYD militia in fueling strife between Arab tribes and clans through assassinations of tribal leaders and dignitaries.
Tomeh stressed the role of the Syrian community in the US in conveying these actions to the US decision-makers as key to lobbying for an end to these actions.
Member of the Assembly, Abdullah Al-Faraj, pointed out that the PYD militias committed various violations and crimes during their fight against ISIS in Raqqa, such as shelling of populated areas. He also said the PYD militia is involved in murder, kidnapping, and extortion of civilians as well as in drugs trade.
Al-Faraj pointed out that this militia is also responsible for burning crops to impoverish the local population and recruit them into its ranks, adding that civilians voiced concern that the PYD might hand over Raqqa to the Assad regime.
Member of the political committee, Abdul Majid Barakat, said that there has been close coordination between the Assad regime and the PKK terrorist organization and its Syrian offshoot the PYD militia since the early days of the revolution.
Member of the political committee, Salem al-Meslet, talked about the SOC’s vision for a solution in east of the Euphrates region, adding that this vision is based on safeguarding the rights of all components of the region within the framework of a comprehensive national solution. He pointed out that the Assad regime and the separatist parties are seeking to disrupt efforts to resolve disputes and differences among social components in the region.
Coordinator of the SOC’s Office of Syrian Communities Abroad, Muhammad Yahya Maktabi, stressed the importance of constant communication between the SOC and Syrian communities in the United States in order to convey the true picture of east of the Euphrates region to the US lawmakers and public opinion.
Members of the Keilapack Organization talked about the efforts they are making along with the Syrian community in the United States to influence the US decision-makers. They made it clear that their efforts were not limited only to pushing for adopting the Caesar Act, stressing their readiness to work with all the Syrian social components to serve the Syrian revolution and help the Syrian people regain freedom and justice.
Reem Al-Bazam said that the organization is fully aware of PYD’s actions in east of the Euphrates region, pointing out that it has been in constant contacts with the relevant authorities inside and outside the US in order to find appropriate solutions and serve the people of the region.
Al-Bazam indicated that PYD’s actions risk further destabilizing the region, stressing that these actions are not in the interest of any of the components of the region. She warned that these actions also risk worsening the discord between the components of the Syrian people; fueling terrorism; and creating the appropriate conditions for ISIS resurgence.
She explained that the Keilapack Organization is sparing no effort to address these issues and draw the attention of the US administration to the seriousness of these actions on the future of Syria and its people. “Our organization is keen on contributing effectively to shaping the future of Syria. We will continue to work hard in serving our just cause until we build a state that all Syrians want.” (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
