PYD leader says ready to meet with Davutoğlu for talks
15 August 2012 / TODAY’S ZAMAN, ISTANBUL – Saleh Mohammed Muslim, the head of a Syrian Kurdish group affiliated with the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the Kurdish Democratic Union (PYD), which is active in northern Syria, has stated that he is always ready to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.
After Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces withdrew from the northern part of Syria, Kurdish groups, including the PYD, established control in northern Syria, thus posing a security threat to Turkey.
In an interview with the International Middle East Peace Research Center on Monday, Muslim sent positive messages to Turkey, expressing that he is ready to meet with Davutoğlu. “We are also always open to talk with Foreign Minister Davutoğlu … because we are always in favor of dialogue,” Muslim said, recounting the importance of dialogues and meetings between Turkey and the PYD. Urging Turkish authorities to get rid of prejudice towards Kurds, Muslim said, “We have never opposed the Turkish people,” adding: “We have been expecting Turkey to listen us. The brotherhood between the two communities bring this necessity to the fore. But, to for this to happen, initially the old mindset needs to change. ”
Stating that the PYD is a leading force among the Syrian Kurdish community, Muslim said that the PYD has no natural link with the PKK.
Asked whether the terrorist PKK is able to attack Turkey from the places that are controlled by the PYD, Muslim answered: “Our point of view on this issue is clear. From our side, there is no gunfire. How I can express this better? I guarantee that there won’t be any shooting from armed militia power towards Turkey.” Commenting on whether the Assad regime can remain in power Muslim noted: “The Assad regime really can endure longer than has been estimated. If it [the regime] falls, the whole of Syria will collapse.”
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