Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party
Barzani urges halt to Syria fighting, welcomes decree on Kurdish rights
ERBIL — Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, called for an end to fighting in Syria and welcomed a decree by the Syrian president on Kurdish rights, describing it as a positive step, according to a message issued Sunday.
“Regarding the latest developments and changes in Syria, and within the framework of efforts to resolve the ongoing issues, yesterday we held an important joint meeting with the special envoy of President Trump for Syrian affairs, as well as the general commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the head of the Autonomous Administration,” Barzani said.
He added, “We hope that the fighting, tension and escalation currently taking place between the forces of the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces will come to an end as soon as possible, and that all sides will return to the agreements previously reached to resolve disputes and achieve stability among Syria’s parties.”
Barzani also welcomed the Syrian president’s move on Kurdish rights, saying, “We also consider the issuance of the Syrian president’s decree concerning Kurdish rights to be a positive step and a correct direction.”
The decree issued by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar’a includes measures that recognize Kurdish cultural and civic rights, most notably declaring Newroz, the Kurdish New Year celebrated on March 21, an official national holiday in Syria. It also affirms Kurds as an integral component of the Syrian state and addresses long-standing issues related to identity and citizenship that stem from earlier state policies.
Fighting between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syrian government troops intensified over the past two days, with Syrian forces advancing into several areas previously controlled by the SDF in northern and eastern Syria. On Satruday and Sunday, government troops moved into key locations west and east of the Euphrates River, while SDF units withdrew from some positions, including strategic sites, as clashes and pressure continued.
Full statement:
In the name of God, the Most Great and Most Merciful,
Regarding the latest developments and changes in Syria, and within the framework of efforts to resolve the ongoing issues, yesterday we held an important joint meeting with the special envoy of President Trump for Syrian affairs, as well as the general commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the head of the Autonomous Administration.
We hope that the fighting, tension and escalation currently taking place between the forces of the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces will come to an end as soon as possible, and that all sides will return to the agreements previously reached to resolve disputes and achieve stability among Syria’s parties. We also consider the issuance of the Syrian president’s decree concerning Kurdish rights to be a positive step and a correct direction, and we hope it will become a foundation for further development, with the consent of the relevant parties, and that Kurdish people’s rights will be guaranteed on a legal and constitutional basis.