Iraq Kurdistan President Advocates for Protection of Syrian Kurds

Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, urged the protection of Kurdish rights in Syria during a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani at the Munich Security Conference. They discussed Syria’s political and security challenges, emphasizing the need for dialogue amid sectarian tensions and the exclusion of Kurdish representation from key political discussions. The future governance of Syria is a contentious issue following years of conflict.

The President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, recently urged the newly-appointed authorities in Damascus to safeguard the rights of the Kurdish population in Syria during a meeting with Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. This discussion took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where the attention was focused on the political and security landscape in both Syria and Iraq, as well as the overall regional stability.

Barzani emphasized the necessity of protecting the rights of Kurds and other communities within Syria, asserting that constructive dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for resolving existing issues. Minister Shaibani reiterated Syria’s dedication to fostering stability and creating a conducive environment for national dialogue while expressing a desire to enhance relations with Iraq and its autonomous Kurdish region.

There have been increasing sectarian attacks in Syria, particularly targeting the Alawi minority to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs, igniting fears among minority groups regarding their future in the country. Additionally, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have maintained control over most of northeastern Syria and remain resistant to integrating into the new administration.

The upcoming conference designed to establish Syria’s political future will reportedly exclude the Kurdish-led administration and supporters of Assad. Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, has advocated for a secular, civilian, and decentralized state in the aftermath of the Assad regime; however, such proposals appear unacceptable to the Islamist-led Syrian authorities.

Furthermore, the SDF has declined to relinquish its arms as part of the transitional government’s initiative to consolidate control among armed factions and dismantle militias. The Syrian populace remains divided on the nature of governance appropriate for post-conflict Syria, particularly in light of the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests initiated by Assad’s forces in 2011, which precipitated a multifaceted conflict resulting in over half a million fatalities and widespread displacement.

In conclusion, President Nechirvan Barzani has called on Syrian authorities to protect Kurdish rights amid ongoing challenges following years of civil conflict. Both Barzani and Minister Shaibani have acknowledged the need for dialogue to secure regional stability, while sectarian tensions and the situation of the Kurdish population remain pressing issues. The future of governance in Syria continues to be contentious, reflecting deep divisions within the society. The exclusion of certain groups from pivotal discussions raises concerns for the prospects of an inclusive political resolution.

Original Source: www.newarab.com