Nechirvan Barzani met with Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, urging the protection of Kurds in Syria. They discussed regional stability and inclusivity for various communities in Syria’s governance. Barzani emphasized dialogue for conflict resolution, while Shaibani expressed Syria’s desire for stable relations with Iraq’s Kurdish region amid ongoing sectarian tensions and the role of the Kurdish-led SDF.
Nechirvan Barzani, the President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, urged the newly established authorities in Damascus to protect the Kurdish population in Syria during a meeting with Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani. This discussion occurred at the Munich Security Conference, although the exact date of their meeting remains unspecified.
The dialogue centered on the political and security situation in Syria and Iraq, with an emphasis on enhancing regional stability. Barzani highlighted the necessity of safeguarding the rights of Syria’s diverse communities and ensuring their inclusion in the country’s future governance after more than thirteen years of conflict.
Barzani reaffirmed the importance of addressing these societal issues through constructive dialogue and understanding. In response, Shaibani expressed Syria’s commitment to fostering stability and creating conducive conditions for national dialogue, while also expressing interest in strengthening ties with Iraq and its autonomous Kurdistan region.
Following the recent ouster of Bashar al-Assad, sectarian tensions have surged, leading to violent attacks against minority groups. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control significant areas in northeastern Syria, have remained resolute in retaining their authority and resisting integration into a new governmental structure.
The organizers of the conference aimed at defining Syria’s political future announced that all sectors of Syrian society would be represented, except for the Kurdish-led administration and Assad loyalists. Mazloum Abdi, a leader of the SDF, has called for a secular, civil, and decentralized state post-Assad, but many of his proposals have not aligned with the Islamist-led authorities in Damascus.
The SDF continues to refuse disarming as part of a broader transition to unify armed groups and eliminate militias. The Syrian populace is profoundly divided concerning the political governance model that should be implemented, a situation exacerbated by the brutal repression of pro-democracy protests by Assad’s regime since 2011, which has led to massive casualties and displacement.
In summary, Nechirvan Barzani called for the protection of Syria’s Kurdish population in discussions with Syria’s new foreign minister, emphasizing the necessity of inclusivity for all communities in Syria’s future. The talks highlight the ongoing complexity of the political landscape, particularly regarding the role of Kurdish forces amid rising sectarian tensions and their demand for autonomy in governance. The regional stability remains contingent upon constructive dialogue and collaboration among diverse societal factions.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
