The Self-Administration meet with Italian parliamentarians and members of the Senate in Rome.
A delegation from the Democratic Self-Administration of North and East Syria held a meeting with parliamentarians and members of the Senate from the Green, Left, Democratic, and Five Star Movement parties in the Parliament building in the Italian capital, Rome.
The Self-Administration delegation included Dr. Abdul Karim Omar, representative of the Self-Administration in Europe, spokesperson for the Women’s Protection Units Roksan Mohammed, and the co-president of the Self-Administration Representation in Switzerland, Media Hassan.
The Italian delegation included Alleanza Verde, Marco Grimoldi, Davis Duri, Francesca Gira, Tino Magni, Enzo Amandola, and Riccardo Ricciardi.
At the beginning of the meeting, a brief overview of the experience of the Self-Administration in North and East Syria was presented, emphasizing that all components of the region participated in establishing this administration by their free will, believing that it meets their legitimate aspirations and ambitions, and that it is the way to preserve the coexistence and common values among all components.
The delegation also addressed the significant role played by women, both in combating terrorism and maintaining security and stability in North and East Syria, and through their active participation in the institutions and structures of the Self-Administration. Women represent fifty percent in all Self-Administration institutions, which also adopt a co-presidency system between women and men.
On the other hand, the humanitarian situation in the Self-Administration areas and the significant challenges faced by the administration in securing the basic requirements and needs of citizens were discussed, especially in light of the lack of international support, as all humanitarian aid provided by European countries and others comes through Damascus and therefore does not reach the areas of North and East Syria.
The Self-Administration delegation emphasized the urgent need for the Italian government and other governments to fulfill their responsibilities in working to deliver humanitarian aid to the areas of North and East Syria to alleviate the burden of the economic crisis caused by the unjust siege imposed on them by all parties.
Regarding the political challenges facing the Self-Administration, the delegation affirmed that one of the most prominent challenges in this regard is the lack of political recognition of the administration, as well as keeping it under Turkish veto outside the political process and Geneva meetings. Excluding the administration from any attempts to solve would lead to its failure as it excludes a wide and important segment of Syrian components.
Regarding security challenges, “We have succeeded in defeating one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations in the world, and we have made great sacrifices in the battle to defeat terrorism on behalf of the entire world, but it is essential to emphasize that defeating ISIS was military. The organization is still active on the ground and launches attacks through its cells from time to time, and without receiving support and assistance from the international community, the final defeat cannot be achieved. This is in addition to the tens of thousands of ISIS detainees in prisons and their families in camps like al-Hol and Roj who still pose a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment, which would potentially return the situation to square one.”
The delegation also addressed the violations committed by the Turkish occupation state, stating, “The Turkish army and its mercenaries occupied the areas of Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tel Abyad through brutal ground operations. These areas witness various crimes and violations ranging from killings, kidnapping, torture, rape, and demographic change, in addition to the ongoing attacks on the Self-Administration areas by drones and warplanes, systematically targeting infrastructure and vital facilities, exacerbating humanitarian situations and endangering the lives of millions of citizens. These practices and violations are war crimes described in international law, and the Turkish officials are supposed to be brought before international courts of relevance.”
The Self-Administration delegation stressed the urgent need for the international community to pressure the Turkish state to put an end to these crimes, pointing out that their continuation would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe and force millions of citizens to migrate.
In conclusion, the Italian delegation expressed their close monitoring of the situation and developments in North and East Syria, saying, “We have been following the Rojava Revolution since its inception, and besides the significant role you have played in combating terrorism, you present a democratic model and experience that cannot be overlooked, especially since it embraces all components of the region and gives women a high position unique to that region.”
Regarding the international community’s reluctance to fulfill its responsibilities towards the Self-Administration, the Italian delegation said, “It was expected that after all the sacrifices made by the components of North and East Syria in their battle against terrorism, they would receive various forms of support and endorsement from all countries and governments. But unfortunately, now, the challenges facing the Self-Administration are being overlooked, as well as its calls for action to put an end to the crimes and violations committed in the occupied areas, as well as those subjected to continuous attacks on the region.”
The delegation concluded by stating that they would launch an appeal “to urge the Italian government and the international community as a whole to fulfill their responsibilities towards the Self-Administration by supporting it economically and humanely, as well as pushing for political recognition of it.”
YPJ Media Center
