Kurdish political leader Salih Muslim advocates federalism and inclusive governance in future Syria

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Salih Muslim, a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Union Party (Partiya Yekîtiya Demokrat, PYD), called for the urgent implementation of a federal system in Syria. In an interview with MedyaNews, Muslim underscored the importance of decentralized governance to accommodate the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. He stressed that federalism is not only a Kurdish aspiration but a popular demand voiced by various communities, including the Druze.

Need for Inclusivity

Muslim emphasized the significance of inclusivity in the Syrian Transitional Government, particularly regarding Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of the transitional phase. He urged al-Sharaa to lead as a representative of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation. This inclusivity, Muslim argued, is essential for Syria’s stability and unity, especially in crafting a new constitution that reflects the interests of all citizens.

Turkey’s Role in Syrian Conflict

Muslim criticized Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian conflict, attributing much of the country’s devastation to Turkish policies since 2012. He accused Turkey of supporting extremist groups by allowing them to train and operate from its territory, thereby prolonging the war. He described Turkey’s direct and indirect actions as a major obstacle to peace in Syria.

Dialogue and Cooperation

Reaffirming the PYD’s openness to dialogue, Muslim highlighted the social contract within the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES). He described it as a draft constitution that could be adapted to the entire country, offering a democratic framework acceptable to the West and inclusive of all Syrians.

Muslim made clear that any future Syrian constitution or political framework would be unacceptable without Kurdish participation. He stressed that the Kurdish community and other ethnic groups must have an active role in shaping Syria’s future to ensure equal representation and self-determination.

Muslim also called for greater unity among Kurdish factions, emphasizing the importance of a unified voice when negotiating with the Syrian Transitional Government. Solidarity, he noted, is crucial to advancing Kurdish interests and ensuring their inclusion in Syria’s political processes.

Turkey-PKK Negotiations: Potential Path to Peace

Muslim suggested that successful negotiations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK) could lead to a reduction or cessation of Turkish military operations in areas of Syria currently government by DAARNES. He linked the PKK’s armed struggle to Turkey’s refusal to engage in dialogue, which has fueled regional tensions.