Members of the Kurdish Friendship Group of the European Parliament came together at an event organized by the Strasbourg Democratic Kurdish Community Center and the European Representation of the DEM Party.

The main agenda items of the meeting, held at the Strasbourg Democratic Kurdish Community Center, were the democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue, the status of Rojava, and the democratic struggle in the region.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that democratic forces in Europe stand in solidarity with the Kurdish people. Common messages underlined the need to protect Rojava’s egalitarian model, the necessity of a pluralistic constitution in Syria, and the importance of a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue.

Among those attending were Members of the European Parliament such as Martin Schirdewan, Jonas Sjöstedt, Maria Cecilia Strada, Per Clausen, Jussi Saramo, Willy Gaëtan Monnier, Pernando Barrena, Villy Søvndal, and Li Anderson, as well as academics from the University of Strasbourg, the Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, DEM Party’s European Representative Faik Yağızay, France’s Representative for Northeast Syria Kerim Qamar, and academic Hişyar Özsoy.

"The resolution of the Kurdish question should be one of Europe’s priorities"

DEM Party’s European Council Representative Faik Yağızay underlined the importance of international solidarity, and said: "Friendships play a critical role in the Kurdish people's struggle for rights. A democratic solution to the Kurdish issue should be one of Europe’s top priorities."

Kerim Qamar, the Representative of Northeast Syria in France, discussed the historical process and achievements of the Rojava revolution. He noted that Rojava, built on the principles of women's liberation, democracy, ecology, and equality, has managed to survive despite attacks from the Turkish state and jihadist groups. He added: "A pluralistic constitution and coexistence in Syria can only be achieved through a common struggle."

Academic Hişyar Özsoy stated that true democracy in Turkey is tied to solving the Kurdish issue. "Mr. Öcalan’s call for peace and democracy is a historic opportunity and must be supported," he said, while also commemorating Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away on May 3, describing him as a symbol of the united people's struggle.

Martin Schirdewan, co-chair of the Left Group in the European Parliament, described Rojava as a model that deserves support for its democratic values: "I am very happy to be here. Supporting such projects is critical for democracy and human rights. We have submitted proposals to the Parliament for the recognition of Rojava. We are with you and will continue to be."

Former Danish Foreign Minister Villy Søvndal called Rojava an inspiring experience for Europe and added: "We plan to visit Rojava with a delegation at the end of the month."

Maria Cecilia Strada, a member of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the EU Parliament, shared her message of solidarity: "I first visited Kurdish regions in 1992. The hospitality shown to me deeply affected me. We are grateful for the struggle you’ve led in Iraq and Syria. Please guide us on how we can further support you."