Iraq’s Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani urged Syria’s government to protect Kurdish rights during discussions with interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani at the Munich Security Conference. Their talks focused on regional stability, the rights of various communities in Syria, and the need for dialogue amid ongoing security challenges following over a decade of conflict.
The President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, has called on the new authorities in Damascus to safeguard the rights of Kurds in Syria during a meeting with Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani. This encounter took place alongside the Munich Security Conference in Germany, although the exact day of the meeting remains unspecified.
During their discussions, Barzani and Shaibani addressed various political and security matters affecting both Syria and neighboring Iraq, emphasizing the importance of regional stability. They also highlighted the need to protect the rights of all communities in Syria and ensure their involvement in the nation’s future following over thirteen years of conflict.
Barzani underscored to Shaibani the necessity for safeguarding the rights of the Kurdish population and other groups in Syria, asserting that dialogue and mutual understanding are crucial for resolving existing issues. Shaibani, on the other hand, affirmed Syria’s commitment to achieving stability as well as fostering national dialogue, while expressing a desire to deepen relations with Iraq and its autonomous Kurdish region.
Instances of sectarian violence have emerged, particularly against the Alawi community, subsequent to the removal of Assad from power. Members of minority groups are apprehensive about their futures, reflecting the ongoing tensions in the region. Syria’s Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control significant portions of northeastern Syria, have resisted yielding their territory or integrating into the newly formed administration.
Organizers indicated that the upcoming conference aimed at determining Syria’s political future will encompass all factions of Syrian society except for the Kurdish-led administration and loyalists to Assad. Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the SDF, advocates for a secular, civil, and decentralized governance model in post-Assad Syria. However, many of his proposals are deemed unacceptable by the Islamist-dominated authorities in Damascus.
The SDF has also declined to surrender its weaponry amid initiatives by the transitional government to consolidate armed groups and disband militias. The Syrian populace remains sharply divided regarding the desired political governance structure. Since the outbreak of pro-democracy protests in 2011, which were met with a violent crackdown by Assad’s forces, over half a million individuals have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced, primarily due to targeted bombings of civilian locales.
In conclusion, Nechirvan Barzani’s meeting with Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani highlights crucial issues surrounding the protection of Kurds and other minority groups in Syria. The discussions reflect a broader concern for regional stability and the necessity of dialogue to address the complex political landscape following years of civil conflict. The ongoing tensions and challenges faced by the Kurdish community underscore the importance of inclusive governance in shaping Syria’s future.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
