Mohammed Ismail on the dimensions of Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue and future relations with the Syrian opposition

Welat TV - Erbil

Given the complexity of the Syrian arena, where regional and international interests are intertwined with the ambitions of local forces, the Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue remains an essential axis for securing the rights of the Kurdish people and preserving their national identity within the Syrian framework. At the same time, the KNC faces many challenges in dealing with Syrian opposition forces, especially in light of ongoing violations in areas such as Afrin, Sari Kaniye and Tel Abyadh. Mohammad Ismail, secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Syria (KDP-S), clarifies various points in an extensive interview where he addresses the Kurdish National Council's vision for internal dialogue, the prospects for partnership with the opposition, and the role of international powers in providing guarantees for the success of the political process. Ismail emphasizes the need to protect the Kurdish people from violations and abuses and stresses that the struggle for Kurdish rights is not in conflict with the Syrian national interest. In this wide-ranging interview with Welat TV, Ismail discusses the conversations held with the leadership of the Syrian Coalition and the interim government, and reviews the agreements that have been reached, focusing on ways to end violations and stabilize the situation. He also discusses international efforts to restart the Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue and the role of France and the United States in supporting this process. In this interview: A clear political vision, an honest evaluation of the relationship with the opposition, and hopes for a future that ensures justice and dignity for the Kurdish people in Syria.

*Welat TV: At the end of last week, you traveled to Istanbul to meet with the leader of the coalition in the interim government, what topics were addressed during your meeting?

**Mohammad Ismail: There were some disagreements between us and some parties in the Syrian opposition, considering the Kurdish National Council as part of the opposition, after the increasing violations against the Kurdish people in Afrin, which forced us to stand by our people and defend them, because there were some disagreements on several points, which necessitated the need to meet with the concerned parties, and we met with the president of the coalition, his deputy, the Secretary-General and the head of the interim government, and they were ready for dialogue.

*Welat TV: What are these points?

**Mohammad Ismail: Violations related to Afrin, as well as some discussions between our delegates and the Coalition that caused misunderstandings, and we discussed these points and the existence of violations and our inability to solve them. When we talk about violations, we don't mean to oppose the Turkish government, the Coalition or any other party, but we are obliged to defend our people who are excepting that from us. We represent them as part of the Syrian revolution and the Syrian opposition. We have to stand by the will of our people, especially in Afrin, Sari Kaniye and Tel Abyadh, and in any place where our people are subjected to restrictions, we are obliged to defend them because our cause is just and our people are facing violations that affect their rights, property and lives by some factions. It is true that we are in favor of a political solution, but we are against violations and the shuffling of papers.

*Welat TV: What was their reaction?

**Mohamed Ismail: They recognized that violations exist and assured us that they are working towards forming a strong government to prevent such violations, because those currently in office do not have a good experience. Many issues were addressed during the meetings, and by the end, both parties reached an agreement on several points, emphasizing the necessity for both sides to commit to their implementation.

*Welat TV: What are these points?

**Mohammed Ismail: Work to prevent the continuation of violations, the safe return of people to their areas and the recovery of their property, the cessation of violations and harassment of people, the removal of armed military groups from cities and villages and replacing them with civilian police, government administrations and civilian courts, in addition to other points that have been confirmed in official documents.

*Welat TV: What is the deadline for the withdrawal of these factions?

**Mohammed Ismail: We have formed a joint committee to follow up on these matters and our representatives had previously announced the boycott. They will now return after an agreement has been reached to begin their duties within the Coalition, provided that the committee carries out its work and achieves its goals. In reality, we have noticed the cooperation of our brothers in the Coalition, and we confirmed the future vision and the unified political position of the Syrian opposition to advance the political process to resolve the Syrian issue. Our political vision has been very similar in light of the changes occurring in the region.

*Welat TV: Can you discuss the situation in Afrin since the establishment of this committee? When new violations occur, do you communicate with the committee, or do you take action independently?

**Mohammad Ismail: We have to deal with the current problems first and then focus on others. However, by working diligently, being attentive, and taking appropriate measures, we can reduce these violations.

*Welat TV: Can we say that the violations will decrease?

**Mohammad Ismail: This is a new experience, violations have decreased and will decrease further in the future, we talked about absentee property, the right to appoint representatives to protect their property, the issue of education, and many other issues that were discussed and agreements were reached. We will continue this; I won't say that violations will stop because we don't know what will happen in the future.

*Welat TV: What did you discuss about education?

**Mohammed Ismail: Despite the violations, there are good things in terms of health, education, services and living conditions. As for the presence of armed groups in civilian areas and the harassment of people and their property, there are violations and abuses.

*Welat TV: You said that education is good, is the Kurdish language taught in these areas?

**Mohammad Ismail: There are centers where Kurdish and other languages are taught. Our students attend Kurdish language institutes and receive internationally recognized certificates under the auspices and guarantee of the United Nations, which is the curriculum of the Syrian government.

*Welat TV: As the Kurdish National Council in Syria, how influential is your role in the Syrian opposition?

**Mohammad Ismail: The Kurdish presence in the Syrian opposition is a source of pride for the opposition because the Kurdish people are an important part of the Syrian society and have an active role at the international level and for the Syrian parties and the future of Syria, so our presence is very important and our role is important on the political side as a representative and joint bodies under international supervision for negotiations with the Syrian regime and other parties, and as for our role in the interim government, we are present in the political body and we don't have a high representation as a minister or director general.

*Walat TV: Why?

**Mohammed Ismail: Because we observed that the government, which serves only one province- Idlib and its surroundings- has no real benefit for us. It lacks an actual presence in cities and the Kurdish region, except for Afrin. Moreover, we do not fall under the command of the Free Syrian Army, not even with a single soldier. However, if there is a new organization and training under American leadership, with the establishment of a military academy for the Syrian people and Syria's future, we are ready to join. But to become militias or armed groups aiming to control specific areas and implement specific agendas for certain parties, the Kurdish National Council distances itself from such actions. This is because it represents the Kurdish people within the Syrian opposition in front of the international community and international entities in light of the political process in Syria.

*Welat TV: Are you satisfied with your work within the Syrian opposition?

**Mohammad Ismail: Our position aligns with the Syrian national stance that represents the aspirations and rights of the Kurdish people. We have not made any concessions that would undermine the interests and rights of our community. We aim to voice the demands of our people within the Syrian opposition. However, we acknowledge some shortcomings on a national level because we tend to focus primarily on issues affecting the Kurdish people. As a result, we do not engage as much with matters concerning other provinces, such as Idlib. The opposition groups that address national issues similarly often overlook the concerns of the Kurdish people. There are shortcomings on both sides, but the discourse of the Kurdish political experience is a rich, and the national discourse is no less important than the nationalist discourse. Just as we are Kurds, we are also Syrians, and we proceed based on this discourse as much as we can.

*Welat TV: How do you see the fighting around Aleppo at the moment?

**Mohammad Ismail: Not only the war, but any hardship that any Kurdish citizen experiences, we are against it. We are against the demographic change in any area of Syria, especially in Afrin, Sari Kaniye and Tel Abyadh. Our national discourse is clear, our political experience is long, and our struggle is seventy years.

*Welat TV: As the Kurdish National Council, what is your position on the regime? Do you have any relations with it regarding the 2011 demands for dialogue with the regime? Has anything remained of that?

**Mohammed Ismail: We are part of the opposition against the regime. Since the regime has not recognized the legitimate rights of our people to this day and has offered us nothing, we are compelled to stand against it. Our standard is the presence and legitimate rights of the Kurdish people in Syrian Kurdistan, and that is our measure. Whoever approaches this standard, we approach them. The regime has yet to acknowledge the existence and rights of the Kurdish people or believe in resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria. Therefore, we are aligned with the Syrian opposition because we share many visions and goals to some extent. Anyone who recognizes the rights of the Kurdish people will find us inclined toward them.

*Welat TV: You as the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Syria, or let's say as the Kurdish National Council, the dialogue between you and the Kurdish parties has been interrupted for a while, and there are French and American efforts to return to this path, what is new about this?

**Mohammad Ismail: So far we have not been informed of anything, but if the United States starts this, France and Britain will support it because they consider this a basic requirement, and we are ready to move this process forward, and we as the Kurdish National Council are serious about this, and we have presented our vision to the Americans, French and other international parties, we have made good progress and achieved a lot in terms of violations, but the opposite party is obstructing the efforts and efforts and does not want to reach a solution and is not interested in the success of the political process and does not accept the partnership.

*Welat TV: Why does he refuse to accept the partnership?

**Mohammed Ismail: By its nature, it does not accept partnerships. However, if the international parties are serious and provide a suitable environment for dialogue under the auspices of the guarantor countries, we are open to starting discussions. We do not trust the other side, but if international guarantees are provided, we are committed to engaging in dialogue that aims to achieve the desired goals and results. This is in the best interest of our people, and we have a supportive public that we take pride in, so we expect the international parties to support this initiative.

*Welat TV: Have you met with any French or American representatives to sponsor this process?

**Mohammed Ismail: We meet with them regularly. We recently met with the French representatives and had discussions with the Americans a few days ago. They emphasized the importance of starting the process, and we communicated that if there is a suitable climate and environment, we would welcome it.

*Welat TV: What is the suitable foundation?

**Mohammed Ismail: Stopping violations and assaults, such as burning offices, releasing detainees, ceasing threats, and halting abuses against the people. As the Kurdish National Council, we are not moving toward joining the administration; we are moving toward true partnership. If they believe in such a partnership, then the Kurdish National Council has significant social and popular support among the Kurdish people, a history of struggle, clear stances, and a position within the Syrian opposition based on our political vision and stance. Additionally, we have international allies. Therefore, the Kurdish National Council is an established and credible entity.

*Welat TV: How will this partnership work?

**Mohamed Ismail: We have overcome many points and we cannot go back to them; we have completed the political vision and we have completed 6 out of 8 points from the administrative part.

Welat TV: We can say that only the theoretical aspect has been finalized, the practical aspect has not been finalized, will something happen in the coming days?

**Mohammad Ismail: After the discussion, an agreement is reached, then the guarantor parties implement it on the ground and confirm it, as Mazloum Abdi offered to be the guarantor for the PYD side, if the PYD does not agree on some things, he will be the guarantor to implement it, and on this basis the agreement was made. We as the National Council have three important points that we always emphasize to our friends and allies. The first is that this dialogue is not against any regional or international party, the second is that the Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue is not against any Syrian claim of the Syrian political forces, and the third is that the Kurds in Syria are only Syrian Kurds and no armed parties outside Syria are allowed to be present in the Kurdish areas and represent the Kurds in Syria.

*Welat TV: What is the position of the Americans and the French regarding the Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue? Are there any practical steps, and how do they view the other side?

**Mohammed Ismail: The Americans are currently waiting for their new administration. There is the U.S. envoy, Scott Pouls, in northeast Syria, who possesses experience and acumen. We have observed a lot of seriousness in his statements. We achieved significant progress with him in a short period. If there is genuine commitment from the international coalition and the United States, represented by a competent team from the State Department, the process will proceed as planned. The people need peace in the region, which is in their best interest. Anyone attempting to obstruct this does not represent the interests of the people.

*Welat TV: How many of your members are detained, what is their condition, and what information do you have about them?

**Mohammed Ismail: Unfortunately, Kurdish cadres with decades of political struggle and activism are being detained and disappeared in prisons for months and years without anyone knowing anything about them. This is due to hatred and hostility against Kurdish activists and fighters for their positions. While ISIS detainees are released, the leaders of the Kurdish National Council remain imprisoned. This is unacceptable, and the international community and people of conscience should condemn and reject such practices. To this day, three members of the Kurdish National Council remain detained in the prisons of the PYD's "Autonomous Administration," and no one knows anything about them. Even when detainees are released, it is done in a humiliating manner, reflecting that this is not a legitimate authority or administration. They operate without a proper system, driven instead by the whims and moods of certain individuals. This is unacceptable and will not deter our struggle and efforts for our people.

*Welat TV: Is there any hope that the Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue will start before Trump takes office?

**Mohammed Ismail: I think this will be more serious after Trump takes power, but in any case, the Kurdish National Council is not shying away from dialogue, and a statement must be made that the National Council has full freedom to do all its work and does not need to get approval from the institutions of the administration, because we don't recognize this administration, and we hope that a suitable climate and guarantees will be provided by the sponsoring parties that such violations will not be repeated, then we will be ready for dialogue and defend the Kurdish position and the future of Syria and the region.

*Welat TV: What is the status of the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Syria now?

**Mohammad Ismail: Our party enjoys a position and presence among the masses of our people and the Kurdish community and the hearts of its lovers, so our cadres continue their work and struggle at home and abroad and our organizations carry out their duties everywhere and we are convinced that those who follow this path are the vast majority of our people and they will always be strong.

*Welat TV: What about your party organizations?

**Mohamed Ismail: After the twelfth conference, there were many bets that the party would regress, but the exact opposite happened, as the party moved forward and developed, and all our conferences are effective and fruitful, and I express my thanks through your channel to the cadres and members of the party, as their committees elected through conferences were able to have real representation within an appropriate geographical distribution, Aware of their role in strengthening and developing their organization and starting a smooth party life with patience and perseverance for the cause of their people, they are now like a spark of fire for this struggle and are an example for the fighters and defenders of their country and their peoples.

*Welat TV: What is the status of the Peace and Freedom Front, as we no longer hear about its activities and actions?

**Mohammed Ismail: Actually, we had a need for it before the establishment of the Front, and today the need for it is more than before.

*Welat TV: Why is it silent?

**Mohammed Ismail: It is not silent. Its meetings are ongoing. A few days ago, I met with the presidential body alongside Ahmad al-Jarba and Gabriel Moshe. About 20 days ago, we held the leadership meeting of the front, during which we discussed all perspectives and issues related to the regional and local landscape. I emphasize its importance because there are matters that cannot be addressed by one party or a single organization alone. However, as a front and a part of the Syrian opposition, we can achieve this. The Turkmen factions have been invited to either join us or collaborate with us, as the inclusion of Turkmen representation is necessary to reflect all components of the Syrian people. Therefore, it is crucial for all internal and even international parties to establish a unified work program that includes all components to meet the demands of international stakeholders.

*Welat TV: How do you see the Kurdish Progressive Democratic Party joining the Moscow Platform?

**Mohammad Ismail: As the National Council, it is true that we are part of the Syrian opposition, but we are open to all other parties of the Syrian opposition, whether it is the Moscow Platform, the Cairo Platform or the National Coordination Body, we have a dialogue with all parties and we see everyone as partners within the negotiating body to negotiate with the Syrian regime to find a Syrian constitution, So the presence of the Kurdish parties in one trench was important for us and a source of strength, but when our friends in the Progressive Democratic Party decided to join the Moscow Platform, I do not see any development in this because the Platform itself is weak and in any case they are our friends and part of the Syrian opposition and they decide for themselves.

*Welat TV: Can the Progressive Party return to the National Assembly after joining the Moscow Platform?

**Mohamed Ismail: No, because it is not allowed for the National Council to be in two organizations at the same time.

*Welat TV: Where did your party's congresses take place and where did they end?

**Mohamed Ismail: About 90% of the interior has been completed, and there are about 3 areas that are not necessary, while in the areas of size and organizational weight, they have been completed and achieved, and these elections have given our cadres the freedom to vote freely and choose their representatives in the interest of the people, the party and the cause, so I look with satisfaction at the results of these congresses.

*Welat TV: When will the Kurdish National Council conference be held?

**Mohammed Ismail: Its time has come, and it will be held soon. Committees have been appointed to prepare for the conference. Among these are the committee responsible for implementing the executive regulations and the basic system, as well as a special committee for the council's agenda. Both committees are performing their tasks. The timing of the conference, whether it takes place on schedule or is delayed, depends on the current circumstances. However, we are striving to hold it as planned.

*Welat TV: When will that be?

**Mohammad Ismail: Initially the date was set for December, but if there is an emergency and it is postponed for a month or more, we don't have any problem and we hope to hold it on the scheduled date.

*Welat TV: Have other parties asked you to join the National Council?

**Mohamed Ismail: Absolutely, many parties have sent us their requests.

*Welat TV: Who are these parties?

**Mohamed Ismail: The New Hevi Party, the Azadi Party, about five or six parties have submitted their applications to us, and we are studying the appropriate way to accommodate these parties in the National Assembly, because there has to be a decision by the General Secretariat of the Assembly.

*Welat TV: How do you see the end of the war in Lebanon?

**Mohammed Ismail: The hardline militants will be broken in favor of the rationalist movement, so the longer the ceasefire lasts the better for the region, because the Lebanese state has no authority over the decision under the hegemony of Hezbollah.

*Welat TV: Will the power of the state return?

**Mohammed Ismail: Yes, it will return, because according to the agreement, the army, the authority and the borders will return to the hands of the state, and the decision will be made by the state, and this is important.

*Welat TV: How will this affect Syria?

**Mohammad Ismail: It is not in the interest of the Syrian regime to shelter militants, because they only bring misfortune, and wherever the militants are, they bring ruin to that area.

*Welat TV: Does this mean the removal of Iran from Syria?

**Mohammed Ismail: We hope that the impact of the agreement reached in Lebanon will also extend to Syria and Iraq, leading to a resolution in Syria to bring peace to the region. I believe that the U.S. Democratic administration aimed to stop the war in Lebanon as a political gain for the Democratic Party before leaving office and before Trump’s potential return, as he would likely halt this war if it continued into his term. I also think the Ukrainian issue will have a more significant influence on the Syrian crisis.

*Welat TV: How so?

**Mohammad Ismail: Because the agreement on the Ukrainian issue is between Russia and America, and if there is an agreement between them, they will pay more attention and devote themselves to the Syrian issue.

*Welat TV: Are there fears that Israel might start a war against Syria?

**Mohammad Ismail: I don't think so, but targeting armed militias is a possibility.

*Welat TV: But recently, Erdogan stated that Israel would reach Turkey's borders.

**Mohammed Ismail: He said that Israel would enter Damascus, but the region is full of potential scenarios, and any of them could occur. Turkey is preparing to secure its border areas with a depth of 30 km, stretching from northern Latakia to the Iranian border.

*Welat TV: How do you view the peace process and demands for it in Turkish Kurdistan between the Turkish government and the PKK?

**Mohammed Ismail: Anything that leads to a ceasefire is in the interest of the peoples. What the Palestinians achieved with the Oslo Accords was not achieved in 50 years of armed conflict. Sitting at the negotiation table is better than war and bloodshed. Similarly, if a peace process begins in Syrian Kurdistan, it would benefit our people, Turkey, and everyone who desires peace and stability. Hostility and conflict only lead nations to destruction and backwardness.