Prof. Franco Cavalli: Kurds have created a democratic system that is a model for the world

Prof. Dr. Franco Cavalli said that the Rojava model represents the only hope for peace and democracy in the Middle East.

Swiss politician Prof. Franco Cavalli told ANF that the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (DAANES) is an exceptional example and represents the only hope for a peaceful and democratic Middle East. Cavalli is concerned about what Turkish President Erdoğan is doing, which he described as "genocidal intentions", and added that "protecting Rojava requires an even greater effort than before."

The discussions about a new Syria under the control of HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) have been going on since the fall of the Baath regime on 8 December. The Turkish state is trying to use its influence on the transitional government in Damascus against the Kurds and is deploying its Syrian National Army, SNA-controlled militias against Northern and Eastern Syria. Fighters from the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) have been resisting Turkey's plans for over a month by defending Tişrîn and Qereqozax.

"I do not believe in the moderate language of the jihadists"

Prof. Cavalli said that the new government in Damascus is in close contact with Turkey and until a month ago was still considered a terrorist by most countries, similar to the Islamic State. "Today these groups use a moderate language, - said Prof. Cavalli - but I do not believe them. The most dangerous thing is that this significantly increases the influence of the Islamist groups close to ISIS. In addition, this development strengthens the power of Turkish president Erdoğan, who has repeatedly stressed that everything that has been built in Rojava must be destroyed."

"Erdoğan could seek the genocide of Kurds"

Prof. Cavalli added: “I do not believe that this new Syrian regime will be democratic or protect minority and women's rights. That is why I am very worried. In the last ten years, I have never been more worried than I am now. The situation is particularly dangerous because Erdoğan has made his terrible intentions clear before. He could seek the genocide of Kurds, similar to what Turkey did to the Armenians a century ago. This really worries me a lot.”

"The West puts its own interests first"

Prof. Cavalli continued: The West seems to forget what the regime in Syria actually is and acts as if everything is fine. The West's priority is its own geopolitical advantages."

"Rojava is the only true democracy in the Middle East"

Prof. Cavalli underlined that "Rojava is the only true democracy in the Middle East. There, everyone - men, women, minorities - has equal rights. I consider the Rojava model to be an exceptional example for everyone. The Kurds have created a democratic structure under the most difficult conditions that can serve as a model worldwide. All democratic forces in the world must do more to preserve this democratic experiment. In the long term, the Rojava model is the only hope for a peaceful and democratic Middle East. There is no other example. In view of the efforts of right-wing terrorist groups to destroy this model, the democratic and progressive world must make a much greater effort to protect Rojava."

Who is Prof. Franco Cavalli?

Prof. Franco Cavalli is a renowned Swiss oncologist and politician. Born in Switzerland in 1942, Cavalli is best known for his ground-breaking work in cancer research and treatment. He is recognized worldwide for his expertise and international contributions in the field of oncology. In addition to his medical career, he is also politically active. As a member of the Swiss Socialist Party, Cavalli served for many years as a member of parliament. He has held leadership positions in various international organizations, such as the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). He has received numerous prestigious awards for his services, including one from the American Cancer Society.