Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
July 20, 2021
We regret the news of the French President’s reception of a delegation from the PYD terrorist militia and view such news as worrying. Whoever opens the way for dealing with this militia is declaring its involvement in a direct relationship with the terrorist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
The PYD militia is known to have an organic and close relationship with the PKK organization. It is a relationship that no one can deny as the two groups share exactly the same slogans, symbols and ideas whether methodologically, strategically, ideologically, politically and practically. It has long been confirmed by countless documents, testimonies, mass graves and the long proven track record of violations.
Indeed, the PYD militia has committed various crimes against the Syrian people, from mass forced displacement, demographic change to serious human rights violations. It has overtaken Syria’s resources and is using them in the service of alien, non-national agendas. Moreover, the policies and plans of this terrorist militia are consistent and derived from those of the Assad regime. They generally run counter to the demands of the Syrian people and contradict their rights and aspirations.
The PKK’s violations and crimes against Syrian civilians from various components continue unabated, most notably against the Kurds, whose activists are subjected to crackdown, forced disappearance, torture and forced conscription, all of which constitute war crimes under international law.
The policies of the PKK and its franchises are mostly derived from the policies of the Assad regime. The international parties supporting these groups and organizations should reconsider their relationship and support for these groups; acknowledge the dangers these organizations pose; and dismantle them in a thoughtful and orderly manner.
There is only one option that everyone must support: a political transition that brings an end to the regime’s control; contributes to the withdrawal of terrorist militias from Syria in line with UN resolutions; and lead to the establishment of a state of citizenship in which all Syrians live in freedom and dignity.
Demanding recognition of these militias that impose themselves on the Syrian people with iron and fire represents a violation of the territorial integrity of Syria and a threat to the unity and safety of Syria and its people. Insisting on this step will only complicate the Syrian crisis and undermine chances for a solution.
Bowing to lobbies and pressure groups regarding this issue will not contribute to the solution. All pressure should be directed towards a political solution based on UN resolutions so as to serve the interests of all Syrians and achieve their aspirations.
