Turkish state's recent aerial attacks on YPG and YBŞ positions and civilian areas in Rojava and Shengal, which came as YPG-led SDF continues its operations against ISIS in Rojava and Syria at full force, caused reactions.

Rojava's Democratic Union Party (Partiya Yekitîya Demokrat, PYD) Co-president Saleh Moslem who also reacted against the attacks pointed out that Turkey carried out such attacks to give a breathing space to ISIS whenever it is left desperate in the battle with Kurdish forces.

“We cannot fight on two fronts at the same time. This would put us under a strain. Coalition forces should declare Rojava airspace a no-fly zone in order for the elimination of threats by Turkey”, said Moslem who also criticized international powers for not manifesting a strong reaction against Turkey.

PYD Co-president Saleh Moslem answered ANF's questions about Turkey's attacks on Rojava and Shengal, the approach of international powers and current subjects on the agenda.

 

"TURKEY ATTACKS US WHENEVER ISIS REMAINS DESPERATE"

Turkey has launched several ground attacks on Rojava so far. Yet, the recent airstrike was the first one of its kind. How should this be evaluated? Is a new process underway?

It grabs attention that this recent attack of the Turks came after the referendum, through which he (Erdoğan) seeks to portray himself as a sultan. To this end, he shows his power by carrying out such an attack. This airstrike came after Turkey's repeated ground attacks that targeted Efrîn and surroundings at the border. It goes without doubt that these targets had been determined beforehand. Qereçox is known to be the headquarters of YPG. The same thing also goes for Shengal. The hitting of peshmergas in particular is a message to the Kurds because it was a deliberate attack meant to intimidate the Kurds. It gives this message to international powers, the U.S. and Russia in the first place: "I will destroy the Kurds". This is an old plan of theirs anyway. When looked at the timing of Turkey's attacks, it is seen that Turkey attacks us every time ISIS gets trapped and remains desperate. This attack came while Tabqa is about to fall."

You act with the International Coalition in Rojava and Syria. Significant advances have been made especially in the Raqqa operation. What is the reaction of these parties in the face of such an attack? There has been no serious reaction as much as was reflected in the press. Did you have a private conversation with them?

Turkey acts disingenuously. Short before the attack, it said both Russia and the U.S. that "PKK is there, I will strike them", which gives no respond opportunity to the other side. This latest attack was also conducted this way. Neither Russia nor the U.S. accepted it. There are things that are not reflected in the press. To the extend I know, the US Ambassador to Ankara also criticized the attack. US commanders made inspections at the scene and voiced reactions. Yet, this reaction is not at the level we desire. Following this attack, people demand the declaration of Rojava a no-fly zone. If this is not done, Erdoğan's attacks will continue.

"ISIS ON ONE SIDE AND TURKEY ON THE OTHER"

What is it you want?

We demand a no-fly zone and we want Turkey to retreat from Rojava and Syria entirely. We do not want Turkey to intervene the region at all because of the fact that it has plans on the region and seeks to create a conflict. We want Turkey to keep its hands off Syria.

SDF and YPG made some statements that they could halt the Raqqa operation in the event that Turkey's attacks continue. Is there such a subject on the agenda?

There is ISIS on one side, and Turkey on the other. As a matter of fact, both sides are ISIS. Should such attacks continue, the situation will get hard at both fronts. YPG will then have to defend the people as they cannot fight ISIS by leaving the people to the mercy of Turkey. Our burden will be heavy.

What are your relations with the US and Russia like at the moment?

Our relations are within the framework of the deals we made before. In military terms, they are acting with the SDF. We are fighting terror with Russia in and around Efrîn. Our agreements remain in effect. Both the US and Russia are against these policies of Turkey. They may remain silent due to some accounts but they are disturbed by Turkey's attacks and no side is pleased with Turkey's acts. Still, we do not trust any side. We will mount our defense ourselves.

Will Turkey's attacks be responded by your side?

Definitely, the attacks will not go unanswered. Our people are resisting, although not in the form of a regular army. Our people will resist just like they resisted in the process of Kobanê battle. The attacks conducted by Turkey two days ago were responded.

There is almost no country left in the Middle East and even the world with which Turkey did not have problems. All sides are disturbed by Turkey. However, the KDP is acting with Turkey in this process. How would you comment this?

KDP is in the hands of Turkey, dependent on Turkey in all aspects, which is why they cannot act against it. KDP became a part of Turkey's policies on Rojava and Shengal. The Barzani family is completely basing on their familial interests and for this reason they remain in the arms of the enemy. This will make KDP lose in long term because the Kurdish people see this truth.

"GERMANY SHOULD BAN THE TURKISH FLAG"

YPG and YPJ became a symbol all around the world. However, Germany has banned their symbols. How do you evaluate this ban?

Today, all the world and European community stands with the Kurds. We have relations with these communities and their institutions, all of which show their solidarity with us. However, the situation changes when looked at the political interests of the states. The UK is selling weapons to Turkey and the same thing goes for Germany as well. They are doing such things to preserve these interests of theirs. However, we know that these symbols are raised all around the world today. If they are looking for a connection with terrorism, I believe that Germany should ban the Turkish flag first. It is Turkey that acts with terrorism, supports and harbors it. For this reason, Turkey's flag should be banned in Germany in the first place. German people are fond of YPG-YPJ flags rather than Turkey's flag. These bans are not judicial. We hope Germany will reverse this fault because it is an inconsistent and ridiculous decision. Our lawyers are dealing with this issue at the moment.

Responding to a motion submitted by German Left Party MP Ulla Jelpke, German Interior Ministry stated that "We met with neither PYD Co-chairs nor representatives so far." Did you have any meeting with German officials?

We as a party had no official meeting with them but we have an administration in Berlin, although not on behalf of the party directly. They also know this, and maintain relations in this framework. Yet, we had several meetings with German commissions, party leaders and parliamentarians up to date.