In recent months, the Kurdish autonomous region in northeastern Syria (Rojava) has been subjected to intense attacks by the new Syrian leadership, despite claims of a ceasefire. The Kurds, who made a decisive contribution to the fight against ISIS, now risk losing the autonomy and rights they earned at a very high price. The situation is commented on in an exclusive interview with VECTORS by Italian Member of the European Parliament Leoluca Orlando.
What message do you think the European Union should send regarding the crisis facing the Kurds in Syria?
For the past 30 years, I have defended the rights of the Kurdish people. I believe that the European Union must take responsibility for what is happening to the Kurdish people — not only in Syria, but also in Turkey and Iraq. Speaking specifically about Syria, the new regime, which claims to guarantee democracy, tolerance, and respect for human rights, is bombarding the Kurdish autonomous region.
This is a unique experience — a remarkable and positive example of the Kurdish people, who fought against ISIS and paid a very high price to defend freedom and human rights. And now, they seem to be forced into giving up their autonomy, simply to endure attacks from the Syrian regime.
What exactly do you expect should be done? Do you think the European Union can put pressure on Turkey and the Syrian regime to address the crisis?
I believe it is necessary for the European Union to call on both Turkey and the United States, because they are playing a crucial role in supporting the new Syrian regime. The EU must make it clear to the United States and Turkey: stop. We have heard that the Syrian regime is claiming there is a ceasefire — but this is simply not true.
This is not a ceasefire. What they are really talking about is the end of the Kurdish autonomous region in Syria. Who made this decision? And why? I think it is extremely important to raise these questions.
As many European parliaments as possible should speak out — to the European Union, to Ursula von der Leyen, to Kaja Kallas — please, do not remain silent any longer. Let your voice be heard. Say clearly that it is impossible to be respected by the European Union if you do not respect the human rights and democracy of the Kurdish people.
Do you believe in the idea of integrating the Kurds into Syria?
We have a real problem. The core issue is that the European Union does not have a common foreign policy. Each member state acts as it wishes, and too many are influenced by what is often called the “sovereignism” of leaders like Trump or Erdogan.
I believe that this global trend of sovereignism is the enemy of human rights. It is a negative experience. Look at Trump, Putin, Xi Jinping — sovereignism stands in direct opposition to the spirit and values of the European Union. I hope, I insist, I ask that Ursula von der Leyen will just not forget our spirit, spirit of democracy, of freedom.