PYD : Provisional Administration is a Peoples Project

AZİZ KÖYLÜOĞLU – QAMİŞLO FIRAT NEWS –  Representatives of Arabs, Assyrians and Chechens resident in West Kurdistan say that preparations for a provisional administration in West Kurdistan should involve all ethnic, religious and social groups and not be restricted to political parties, as wanted by certain groups.

With the announcement on 12 November of a founding assembly efforts to establish a provisional administration in West Kurdistan have reached a new stage. Arab, Assyrian and Chechen representatives amongst 35 organisations involved in this project told ANF that they disagreed with those who wished preliminary work for the provisional administration to be restricted to ‘one political party’, stressing that this project has been adopted by the peoples of the region as their own. One of the Arab representatives, Amir Sheikh Helush, underlined the fact that the provisional administration was in accordance with international democratic principles.

IF A KURD OPENS A FACTORY THEY CONSIDER THIS DIVISIVE!

Helush asked: “Where were those who reject the provisional administration when our children were starving and cold?” He added: “Those who find the provisional administration does not suit their interests oppose it. Once clashes began and a power vacuum emerged peoples in the region began to establish their own authority. This has been going on for about 18 months. Personally, I cannot understand why anyone should oppose this project which is based on fraternity and democracy.”

Sheikh Helush said he was against the view of the Syrian Kurdish National Council (SKNC) which wants the PYD’s provisional administration to be composed solely of political parties, adding: “Even if a Kurd were to open a dairy certain people would claim the purpose was to split the country.”

“The SKNC said there was no need to discuss the provisional administration with religious groups and civil society organisations. But the PYD has presented us with a democratic project. Certain circles oppose this as it doesn’t suit their interests, although they know it is democratic and necessary. We are continuing our efforts and we believe that those who are not getting involved will eventually participate.”

WOMEN TO HAVE 40% REPRESENTATION

Nezira Goriyê from the Qamişlo Assyrian Women’s Union said that they were aiming for 40% representation of women in work on the provisional administration, adding: “Decisions have been taken regarding women having 40% representation in administration and on the executive. Women in the region are holding meetings and we are continuing our efforts in order for women to reach the required level of representation.”

Kamil Al-Aghter, a representative of Chechens living in West Kurdistan, said that Chechens were involved in the provisional administration, not just at the higher level, but also at the local level. “All groups are involved locally in this project. Some want the provisional administration to be solely the work of political parties, but this is not right. Representatives of all ethnic and religious groups in the region from Til Kocher (Tel Kuchik) to Afrin are involved in the provisional administration.”