Iraqi Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani urged Syrian authorities to protect Kurdish rights during a meeting with Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister in Munich. They discussed Syria’s political landscape and regional stability, emphasizing dialogue for resolution. However, sectarian violence remains a concern, particularly affecting minority communities. The Kurdish-led forces continue to resist integration into a new government, complicating the pursuit of unity in Syria.
During a meeting with Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, called upon the new authorities in Damascus to safeguard the rights of Syria’s Kurdish population. This meeting was held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany, although the exact day of the meeting remains uncertain.
Barzani emphasized the necessity of protecting the rights of all communities in Syria, advocating for dialogue and understanding as avenues to resolve ongoing issues. The discussions also addressed political and security challenges facing Syria and Iraq, with a focus on regional stability and community participation in Syria’s future decision-making.
In response, Minister Shaibani affirmed Syria’s dedication to fostering stability and promoting a conducive environment for national dialogue. Furthermore, he expressed the desire to strengthen cooperation between Syria and Iraq, specifically with the autonomous Kurdish region.
There have been reports of sectarian violence in the region, particularly targeting the Alawi community after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, leading to uncertainties among minority populations about their future. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), maintaining control over much of northeastern Syria, have stated their intention to resist integration into any new government structure.
Organizers of the conference indicated that discussions regarding Syria’s political future would involve diverse segments of society, while excluding the Kurdish-led administration and Assad loyalists. Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, has advocated for a secular, civil, and decentralized governance structure following Assad’s regime, however, many of these proposals conflict with the demands of the Islamist-led authorities in Damascus.
The SDF remains reluctant to relinquish its arms amidst ongoing efforts by the transitional government aimed at unifying armed factions and disbanding militias. The divide among Syrians regarding the future political framework remains profound, stemming from the violent repression of pro-democracy protests by Assad’s forces in 2011, which ignited a conflict resulting in significant loss of life and widespread displacement.
In conclusion, Nechirvan Barzani’s meeting with Asaad al-Shaibani underscores the urgency of protecting the rights of Syrian Kurds amid ongoing instability. Both leaders acknowledged the need for dialogue to resolve conflicts, while also highlighting the complexities of establishing a cohesive political framework in a divided society. The exclusion of key groups from discussions points to the challenges facing Syria’s future governance.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
