PYD (Democratic Union Party) co-chair Saleh Moslem spoke to ANF about the ceasefire in Syria, Turkey's ongoing attacks on Rojava, discussions of federalism and their relations with Russia and the U.S.

We hereby publish the second part of the interview with PYD co-chair.

What is the current situation in peace talks?

Groups in Syria cannot act independently from the powers that provide financial and logistic support to them. And, these powers do have plans. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and America have their own plans and each is trying to realize its own plan, which doesn't work because these plans on Syria have all rotten and they stink. These take their source from the West and Europe. They are trying to keep the situation under control to avoid its reflection on Europe. That is what all their efforts are for.

Russia and the U.S. have separate plans on Syria. Do you have your own?

It goes without doubt that we are located within the problems of the Middle East and Rojava. At the moment, we are the only force acting in a conscious, programmed and planned manner. Since the very first day, we haven't taken sides with anyone. While some wanted to sustain the Baath regime, some others acted in jihadist manner. In the face of these developments, we took our own defense precautions and declared democratic autonomy which has grown stronger and got acknowledged in process of time. In addition, Syrian Democratic Forces and assemblies have been formed today, and these include all circles in addition to Kurds. Ours has become a model for Syria. Right, we seek freedom and rights for Kurds, and we fight for this purpose, but we do not mean to live alone in our own house. Democracy in Rojava can only be achieved if there exists democracy and freedom across the entire Syrian land. On a contrary case, i.e. if we create a democratic system neighboring an ISIS state in Raqqa, we would never be in peace and face continuous attacks. For this reason, we demand a secular system in Syria which houses various circles like Muslims, Alevis and Êzîdîs. There should be established a system to ensure co-existence of all the circles.

How do you evaluate the discussions on federalism for Syria?

Everyone should know that Syria will no more be like what it used to be. Pandora's box has been opened already. It is those willing to live in Syria with their own consent that will remain there. This can be achieved only by preserving everyone's own color and identity. Federalism, too, is a method, but it is interpreted by everyone according to the norms in their mind, and this focuses the discussion on borders. We, however, do not dwell on geographic federalism but rather federalism based on folks to enable them a living in their own areas within the scope of their rights. Federalism has various forms. To give an example, the federalism in Russia, Germany, America and Switzerland is not same. They differ from each other. In the federal system we want to establish, everyone needs to respect and live together with each other. This could be called federalism or something else, it doesn't matter at all. Some call it federalism, and we call it democratic autonomy at the moment. Our current system is widely recognised. We want it to go beyond that and spread across the entire Syrian territory.

These discussions point to three federal regions in Syria, which will eventually bring along a geographic change. Don't you want this?

We demand not a geographic change but a system that will enable the co-existence of all circles by enjoying the same rights. Does the Rojava territory have its borders at the moment? It doesn't. For instance; those living around Shaddadi want to form their own system and assemblies. There are no borders in Rojava. Whoever accepts the reality, can live with their own cultures.

Do you have the topic of unification of Efrîn and Kobanê cantons on your agenda?

We definitely have such a plan.

You have relations with both the U.S. and Russia, each of which has different plans on Syria. What relations do you have with these states?

We have relations with these two states, as well as with European countries. Everyone of them is based on its own interests. The U.S. has interests in the Middle East, it has companies. Russia, on the other hand, is making efforts for its own safety because most of the jihadis fighting here are coming from the Russian Federation. Some others go there after receiving training. Russia has such concerns, which is why it is giving the most serious fight against terrorism. Just like all the powers involved in Syria, we, too, are after our own interests. We all are fighting the ISIS.

Do you have any 'approval' or 'rejection' while at the table with these powers?

Of course. We Kurds have served as soldiers of everyone but ourselves throughout our history. We, too, have our own land. It is geographically smaller than the U.S. and Russia but it belongs to us. If it is being talked about an interest of these powers in this region, they need to come to terms with us. Our talks are based on our interests. It is politics and we act in the manner that requires.

All international powers recognise you and want to develop relations with your side. Yet, Turkey considers you to be 'terrorist'. What do you have to say on this?

Turkey's problem is a Kurdish phobia. We could have done many things with Turkey since the very beginning if it had acted otherwise. We are neighbors and our borders are side by side. This is a responsibility given to us by history. Still, Turkey has already forgotten about the history and geography. This is why it is losing today. We hope it will correct this mistake of its.

What will your approach be like in the event that Turkey continues shelling Rojava lands and supporting jihadist groups?

We will maintain the approach we have displayed so far. We are resisting the attacks and we are not responding to them because our people are living there. Turkey is shelling the civilian areas on our lands. So whom and which area will we hit back? It is our people that are living there and will get harmed in the event of a response by our side. Turkey has disgraced itself. International powers do know how right we are.