Journalist Delil Zilan is from Rojava. He spoke to ANF about Abdullah Öcalan's historic call and the agreement signed in Damascus between the SDF and the interim government. Zilan said that the agreement was important, and that its eight articles provide a general framework and operate on a principled level. Zilan said: “The interim administration in Damascus, under pressure from the Turkish state, sought to impose the dissolution of the SDF and the transfer of all authority to a newly established Damascus government. However, the delegation from the Democratic Autonomous Administration and the SDF opposed this and said that an agreement could be reached through talks carried out by ad hoc commissions."

 A reference to the Social Contract

Zilan emphasized that the Social Contract previously published by the Democratic Autonomous Administration represents and encompasses all the diverse communities living in North and East Syria. He said: "The talks in Damascus took place based on the outcomes of this framework. The work behind this effort is reflected in the eight-article agreement."

Kurds become partners in the future of Syria

Delil Zilan said that the agreement ensures the Kurds will be partners in the newly restructured Syria. He continued: "The Kurds are not limited to Northern and Eastern Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or the ideological background of its leader does not have a position that can encompass all of Syria. With 13 years of experience, the Democratic Autonomous Administration is capable of contributing to Syria's democratic reconstruction. We are talking about a practice that can genuinely implement democracy, represent all communities, and be inclusive. In fact, within the next year, we might even see Mazloum Abdi as Syria's president. This is the kind of achievement we are discussing."

Kurds are now a regional actor

Zilan highlighted the shifting borders in the region and stated that countries like Iran and Turkey fear the end of the old status quo. He explained: "There is the reality of Kurdistan being divided into four parts, but the Kurds are no longer the same as before. Israel can no longer maintain relations with Turkey or Iran as it once did. In the new geopolitical landscape, the Kurds will become a significant power and a central force."

A solution project for the entire Middle East

Delil Zilan underlined that Mr. Öcalan's historic call on 27 February offers not only a solution for Kurdistan but also a great opportunity for the entire Middle East. Highlighting that war, bloodshed, and suffering are not the inevitable fate of the region, Zilan said: "With his call, Mr. Öcalan emphasizes that another future is possible and seeks to institutionalize democracy. If this happens, sectarian, ethnic, and religious wars will no longer be easily instigated."

Disrupting plans built on war

Zilan said that in the letter Abdullah Öcalan sent to Rojava, he did not propose a perspective based on war and destruction but rather one that could end the existing conflict and resolve issues. He added: "This perspective is not only crucial for the Kurds but for all people. Mr. Öcalan’s ability to offer solutions is well known in the Middle East, and as a result, all calculations based on war are being disrupted."