Faisal Youssef to Welat TV: We Reaffirm Our Commitment to National Partnership and Renew Our Call to Recognize Kurdish Rights
Welat TV – Erbil
Faisal Youssef, spokesperson for the Kurdish National Council (KNC), affirmed that the demands of the Kurdish people have been clearly articulated for decades—long before the recent Kurdish Unity Conference held on April 26 and prior to the Sharaa-Abdi agreement.
In an interview with Welat TV on Sunday, April 28, 2025, Youssef stated: “The Kurdish people participated in the Syrian revolution out of a deep desire to be a true partner alongside all Syrians, with a unified stance and position, in the joint effort with all those defending national and democratic values.”
He pointed out that the Kurdish National Council has been part of the Syrian opposition, which has recognized the rights of the Kurdish people and other components and has stood against policies of oppression and marginalization.
“We consider ourselves partners with anyone seeking to build a strong, democratic Syria—one that earns the respect of the international community,” he added. “Our position is rooted in our experience and in the belief in the importance and necessity of decentralization in the new Syria.”
Youssef emphasized that all Kurdish dialogue initiatives began on the basis of being part of the Syrian opposition, which has opposed the former regime’s denial of Kurdish rights and demands.
The Role of the Kurdistan Region and Syrian Kurdish Forces
Regarding the role of the Kurdistan Region in promoting Kurdish unity, Youssef expressed “deep and ongoing gratitude” to President Masoud Barzani for his continued support and sponsorship of Kurdish unity efforts.
He added: “President Barzani has consistently worked to strengthen positive relations among Syria’s various ethnic and religious communities.” Youssef also noted that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in all their components, are respected and appreciated as a vital partner of the international coalition in the fight against ISIS.
A Message to the Syrian Government Commenting on statements from the Syrian presidency following the Kurdish Unity Conference, Youssef said he hopes the Syrian administration will engage constructively with the Kurdish vision, recognizing Kurds as an integral component of Syria.
“Our goals center on achieving national partnership,” he emphasized. “We do not call for any form of division; rather, we are committed to the unity of the country.”
He concluded by blaming the centralized policies of the Ba’ath Party, under Assad’s leadership, for the destruction of Syria and the forced displacement and impoverishment of its people.