A delegation led by the European representative of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), Abdulkarim Omer, is currently in Strasbourg for talks on the situation in Syria in the European Parliament.

The delegation, which also includes DEM Europe representatives Eyüp Doru and Fayik Yağızay and HDP chair Cahit Kırkazak, met with members of the Left on Monday. The topic of the discussion, which was also attended by the co-chairs of the European Left Group, Manon Aubry and Martin Schirdewan, was the new balance of power in Syria after the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad by the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the ongoing attacks by Turkey and its proxy force SNA against the DAANES and the associated political, military, humanitarian, economic and security problems, as well as the increasing threat from the so-called Islamic State.

Abdulkarim Omer strongly called for a delegation from the Left Group to be sent to Rojava. It should be clear that the existence of Rojava must be protected. "If the democratic autonomy project in the region is not defended, a second Libya threatens to emerge in Syria. A new structure that does not include the diverse ethnic and religious groups such as the Kurds, Druze or Alawites will leave Syria to radical Islam."

The greatest threat to Rojava, apart from ISIS, remains Turkey, said the DAANES representative. Omer is calling for action to end the attacks and for a long-term ceasefire in Syria. "If things continue like this, it is only a matter of time before there is an unavoidable humanitarian catastrophe and unlimited waves of refugees of millions of people," warned the politician. If DAANES is destroyed, this will also mean the end of women's and human rights, protection of minorities, democracy and equality."

The military forces of Rojava will defend themselves, regardless of which side the attack comes from, Omer said, adding: "So far we have acted on the basis of legitimate self-defense against all types of attacks. We will continue to do so, especially now that Kobanê is under acute threat. European countries must play their role in resolving this crisis and work to end the violence."

Syria debate with Kaja Kallas

Following Omer's speech, the delegation answered questions from MPs from France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Greece and Portugal on current developments in Syria, primarily in the country's autonomous region.

Today, Tuesday, the delegation will meet with the Greens in the EU Parliament. The schedule also includes participation in a debate between MPs with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on the latest developments in Syria, their geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region.