The 18th General Assembly of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) opened in Baarlo, the Netherlands on Friday.

The conference, which will last three days, began yesterday with a minute’s silence and was attended by KNK co-chairs, members, board members and politicians from Kurdistan. Hundreds of delegates from Kurdistan and Europe are also joining the meeting.

In his opening speech, Executive Council member Zübeyir Aydar said that a great war was carried out in Kurdistan. Noting that the KNK has been fighting for the unity of the Kurdish people for 20 years, Aydar added that the KNK has been the house of political parties and belief groups in Kurdistan.

Kurdish unity would mean nobody will stand against Kurdistan

After Aydar’s speech, KNK co-chairs Nilüfer Koç and Rêbuwar Reşîd delivered their short remarks. Speaking about the attacks carried out by the occupying forces against Kurdistan, KNK Co-Chair Koç said that the Kurdish people have been fighting against these attacks for years.

Emphasizing that the Kurds must be united to stand up to colonial powers, Koç stated that KNK has been fighting for the unity of Kurds for years and that most of the parties in Kurdistan are fighting for national unity.

Speaking on behalf of the European Kurdish Women's Movement (TJKE), Zilan Serhat said that following the Rojava revolution, Kurds living in different countries of the world have turned their attention to Rojava. Stating that the Kurdish people and the freedom of the Kurdish women actually pass through unity, Serhat said: "At the moment the liberation of the Kurdish people have an opportunity. If national unity is based on the principles of free life, no power could actually stand up against Kurdistan".

Speaking on behalf of PUK at the meeting, Rêzdar Abdullah stressed that the KNK conference is an important step towards national unity. Abdullah said that the liberation of Kurdistan is not going to happen with the liberation of only one part. He said that all Kurdistan parties should feel responsible for the freedom of the Kurdish people.

Speaking on behalf of Kodar, Siyamend Mihuni said that Iran can no longer continue with the old policies. "We must carry out a common struggle for democracy and a new life in Rojhilat. The KNK must implement policies that integrate all parties," he said.

Closing up the first day of work, KONGRA-GEL co-chair Remzi Kartal delivered his speech, and delegates and guests listened to the message sent by KNK member Cemil Bayik.