MESOP NEWS : PYD has not been invited to Syria talks: U.S.

13 March 2016 – The U.S. Department of State said that the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) has not been invited to the next round of talks that aims to bring an end to Syria civil war. Russian foreign minister has asked the U.S. to pressure Turkey over the presence of Syrian Kurds in the talks, but the U.S. Department of State Spokesman, John Kirby told reporters last night that it is a political process and the U.N. Representative in Syria affairs, Stephen De Mistura should decide about it.

He added that the U.S. is seeking a chance to see how Kurds can be included in the talks. Kirby added that De Mistura knows the details of the PYD or any other group’s participation in the talks. Reiterating that Kurds have been an effective force in fight against the IS and have the right to be included in the talks, Kirby added that the talks are a political process and is different from the Kurds’ effectiveness in fight against the IS. Syrian Kurds had not been invited to the first two rounds of the talks, both due to, in particular, Turkey’s opposition. Ankara says the PYD is affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) that has been fighting against Turkey, at first for independence and later autonomoy for Kurds in the southeastern region of the country, since 1984. www.mesop.de