MESOP DOCUMENTS : PYD (PKK) CONGRESS IN BRUSSELS / FINAL STATEMENT

The PYD held its 8th Congress in Brussels (24-25 September 2016) under the slogan “From free Rojava towards a Democratic Syria” with the participation of 600 members and more than 150 guests from the 4 parts of Kurdistan and 13 different European countries, including representatives of political parties, MPs and academics from Europe, America and the Middle East.

The first day was allocated for guests to express their views and attitude towards the PYD and its democratic struggle in Rojava, Syria and Europe, and the struggle of the Kurds together with other components of Rojava. The guests expressed their strong solidarity with the PYD’s struggle against tyranny and terrorism and praised the victories and heroism of the People’s Protection Units (YPG), the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). They also expressed their unequivocal support for the project of democratic federalism and promised to exert efforts to support the Rojava revolution.

During the second day, reports on PYD’s various activities that had taken place since the end of the 7th Congress on the political, organisational and diplomatic levels, were read to Party members. In addition, a political report by the PYD Co-Presidency was presented. The reports were carefully scrutinised, evaluated and discussed by the members, who saw a need for change to keep up with the recent developments in the region. The members suggested expanding the Party’s activities within the Kurdish youth and women movements to address their problems, especially after the arrival of many immigrants from Rojava and Syria to Europe as a result of the unjust policies, practiced by regional governments to change the demography in Kurdistan in accordance with their colonial goals.

Based on the above, the Congress made a number of important decisions that would shape the Party’s policy and its activities in Europe in the next period. These decisions can be summarised as follows:

  1. At the organisational level, the Party decided to re-structure itself in Europe so that the Party’s management in Europe would consist of 25 members, representing all Party institutions in most European countries, including women and youth movements. The

work of the PYD’s representatives should complement the work and activities of the

Democratic Self-Administration offices wherever they might be.

  1. At the political and diplomatic levels, members decided to work towards unifying the

Kurds diplomatically and make efforts to hold a conference about federalism in

northern Syria and the democratic solution project for Syria. The priority was given to

strengthening relations between communities, i.e. building relations with social

institutions as well as political parties and government institutions, respect the laws

and regulations of European countries and protect the shared human and democratic

values. In addition, a decision was made to co-operate with, and provide all the

necessary support to all parties interested in combating jihadist terrorism, as it

threatens humanity.

  1. The participants decided to increase the Party’s cultural and artistic activities to play

a role of a bridge between the Middle East and Europe, through organising cultural

seminars.

  1. At the media level, the participants decided to develop media-based institutions to

expand the Party’s media activities by taking advantage of all the talents and

capabilities available. The Party’s media activities should aim to build a society that is

based on the principles of freedom, democracy, gender equality, pluralism and the

fraternity of peoples.

Long live the fraternity of peoples and solidarity of the democratic forces.

Hand in hand to fight against dictatorship, tyranny and the enemies of humanity.

The European Management of the PYD

Brussels, 25/09/2016