MESOP INSIGHT : ADVANCING PKK/PYD APO-STALINISM IN ROJAVA / WEST KURDISTAN-SYRIA

Syrian KNC supporters protest in Iraqi Kurdistan against alleged members’ arrests

HEWLÊR-Erbil, Iraq’s Kurdistan region,— Supporters of the Barzani-backed Syrian opposition’s Kurdish National Council (KNC) staged a protest in Iraqi Kurdistan capital of Erbil on Saturday against the alleged arrest and imprisonment of council members in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) by the Democratic Union Party (PYD).

KNC supporters gathered outside the United Nations headquarters holding placards which depicted pictures of the KNC members allegedly arrested by the PYD.

KNC is a coalition of 12 small Syrian Kurdish parties formed on October 26, 2011 and it is affiliated with Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party KDP leader Massoud Barzani which opposite the ruling PYD party in Syrian Kurdistan.“Protests are expected to be held across cities and towns in Rojava,” a demonstrator said.“PYD officials threatened to arrest those who would participate in the protests.”Syrian Kurds have established three autonomous zones, or Cantons of Jazeera, Kobani and Afrin and a Kurdish government across Syrian Kurdistan (northern Syria) in 2013.

On March 17, 2016 Syria’s Kurds declared a federal region in Syrian Kurdistan.KDP doesn’t recognize the Kurdish autonomous government in Syrian Kurdistan.Political experts say Massoud Barzani, sees Syrian Kurdistan as potential political competition.The KNC said on April 20 they rejected the PYD’s decision to declare a federal system in Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Syria.KNC called for creation of a national assembly and the establishment of a constitution. www.mesop.de