KDP President Masoud Barzani welcomes HTS leader’s remarks on Syrian Kurds

ERBIL — Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, welcomed recent statements made by Ahmad Al-Sharaa – also known as Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani – regarding Syrian Kurds.

In his remarks, Al-Sharaa described the Kurds as “part of the nation and partners in the future of Syria,” a sentiment Barzani praised as a foundation for building a “strong Syria.”

In a message issued on Sunday, Barzani stated, “This vision toward the Kurds and Syria’s future is met with joy and appreciation from us. We hope it marks the beginning of rectifying the course of history and ending the injustices and wrong practices that have been committed against the Kurdish people in Syria.”

Barzani emphasized that such a perspective “represents a starting point to build a strong Syria.” He called on Kurds, Arabs, and all other components of Syria to “seize this opportunity to work together in creating a stable, free, and democratic Syria.”

In early December 2024, Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa led his Islamist HTS in a decisive offensive that resulted in the ousting of President Bashar Al-Assad. Following Assad’s departure, HTS swiftly established control over state institutions and appointed Mohammed Al-Bashir as interim prime minister to oversee the political transition.

Ahmad Al-Sharaa recently addressed the Kurdish people in a short video, acknowledging their historical struggles. “You are part of the nation, and you have suffered great injustices, as we have. With the fall of the regime, this oppression may finally come to an end,” he said.

He added, “In the Syria of tomorrow, where you are an integral part, we will live together, and everyone will receive their rights under the law. There will be no more oppression against our Kurdish brothers and sisters. A new chapter and history will be written for Syria.”

Regarding displaced Kurds in Afrin, Al-Sharaa affirmed, “We will work to ensure their return to their villages and areas.”

In early 2018, Turkish military forces, alongside Syrian opposition groups, launched Operation Olive Branch, targeting the Kurdish-controlled Afrin region in northwestern Syria. This offensive led to the displacement of over 200,000 Kurdish residents, many of whom fled to neighboring areas to escape the violence.