STRASBOURG, France - The international community needs to do more to push for Kurdish rights and guarantee a ceasefire in Syria, with the European Union and the United States taking the lead, a European member of parliament has told Rudaw.
Evin Incir, European parliamentary member of Kurdish descent with the Swedish Social Democratic Party, expressed skepticism that the interim Syrian government will follow through on its pledge to guarantee Kurdish rights, calling on the international community to boost support for rights-based diplomacy and laws.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a landmark decree in January guaranteeing Kurdish rights shortly before a ceasefire ended weeks of fighting between Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution warning of war crimes in Syria and reinforcing the ceasefire, including conditioning funding for Damascus on Thursday.
Incir, who spoke passionately at parliament in traditional Kurdish clothing, echoed concerns by other members of parliament that Damascus may not follow through on the ceasefire deal and promises for Kurdish rights. The agreement includes folding the autonomously-run Kurdish local governments and the SDF into the central government.
The ceasefire “requires all parties, including the Syrian regime, to respect the agreement,” she said. “Beyond the ceasefire, Kurds must have their fundamental rights. The regime’s promises regarding language and constitutional [rights] should have been evident long ago.”
Warning that “history shows the Damascus regime often fails to follow through,” she pressed for the international community and the EU to play a “vital role” to ensure the agreement is implemented.
“One can give a chance without being naive,” she said. “If previous agreements were respected, we wouldn't have seen the slaughter of Kurds just a few weeks ago. I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Until the Kurdish language and culture are enshrined in the constitution, “the EU and US must put pressure on the regime.”
The following is a full transcript of the interview with European Parliament Member of Parliament Evin Incir:
Rudaw: There's a video of you being widely circulated in the last two days. In [the European] Parliament [session], you wore beautiful Kurdish clothes with a lovely flower. You also raised the Kurdish flag. The message you wanted to convey - was it for the Kurds or the Europeans and your colleagues?
Evin Incir: [In Kurdish] First of all, thank you. It's true, we promised to speak in English because it's a bit easier and clearer for me to express myself with certain words. Regarding the Kurdish clothes and the Kurdistan flag, the message was for both Kurds and Europeans. These are very important symbols for people who have been oppressed and have wanted freedom for years. Kurds, like everyone else, want their [individual] rights and human rights; this must be accepted. While the situation in the south [Iraq’s Kurdistan Region] is currently good, the situation in the east [Iran], west [Syria], and north [Turkey] is very bad. There are more than 30 million Kurds living under oppression today. The world should look at this and say, "enough is enough".
You visited with the Kurdish diaspora recently, right? What was their support like, and have you ever seen it at that level during your many years in parliament?
It is true; this is the first time in my 41 or 42 years [of age] where I’ve seen this level of unity among Kurds. It is very important that Kurds from all four areas have become one, rising up together for our rights.
With regard to the ceasefire in Rojava [Northeast Syria]: Do you think there’s a guarantee for it to remain in place?
[In English] A ceasefire is important to ensure civilians aren't killed. But it requires all parties, including the Syrian regime, to respect the agreement. Beyond the ceasefire, Kurds must have their fundamental rights. The regime’s promises regarding language and constitutional [rights] should have been evident long ago. I hope it’s respected, but history shows the Damascus regime often fails to follow through. The international community and the EU have a vital role here.
Even with the US and France as political guarantors, and a resolution in the European Parliament, you still feel it isn't enough?
It will be enough on the day the agreement is respected in practice - when the Kurdish language and culture are recognized in the constitution. Until then, the EU and US must put pressure on the regime.
Some MEPs suggest giving the new Syrian government a chance. Why are you so skeptical?
One can give a chance without being naive. If previous agreements were respected, we wouldn't have seen the slaughter of Kurds just a few weeks ago. I’ll believe it when I see it in practice.
You’ve often stood alone in defending Kurdish rights. Do you feel you have more support now?
As a Kurd and a Swedish Social Democrat, I bring the experience of oppression with me. It’s heartbreaking that it takes a devastating situation for others to understand the seriousness of the Kurdish position. I thought the fight against ISIS would open the world's eyes, but I was wrong. It’s a constant struggle.
What was the reaction to you wearing the Kurdish dress in the parliament?
People thought the clothing was beautiful. It was an important message to send: That Kurds exist with their own language, culture, and flag.
What should the Foreign Affairs Committee do now?
Every cent sent to the Syrian transitional government must be conditioned. If demands aren't met, financial support should be withdrawn. We also need direct support for Kurds in Rojava, especially in places like Kobane, which is still under siege.
Are you worried that support for Rojava might shift, as some feel occurred in Sweden due to the NATO membership issue? [Editor’s note: Kurds say they faced discrimination in Sweden which made concessions to Turkey to join NATO.]
NATO membership shouldn't be an obstacle to speaking up for human rights. It’s about how big of a priority the topic is for legislators. We must ensure the focus remains on the Kurds until they can live in freedom and democracy.
Will there be sustainable support in the European Parliament?
The resolution contains vital points: Support for the Rojava administration, humanitarian aid, and conditions.
How do you monitor "conditions" effectively?
Conditions signal that we won't use taxpayer money to strengthen a regime that oppresses others. If we don't follow up on how money is used, we de facto contribute to oppression.
The Dutch Parliament recently passed a resolution [calling for the Dutch government to condition funding for Damascus after the Syrian military seized Kurdish-held areas.] How did the Kurdish diaspora impact your colleagues?
Mobilization is key. It forces those who might close their eyes to speak out. European citizens with Kurdish backgrounds are a significant part of society and they have a vote.
You are an example of that diaspora in the parliament.
True. I’m proud of the Dutch decision but disappointed in the current Swedish government. My party is in the opposition; we demanded conditions, but the far-right / liberal majority said no. Kurdish rights should be a matter of international law, not "left or right". They fail to understand that if they don't defend Kurds in Rojava, the threat of ISIS could end up on European streets.
What is your final message to Kurdish youth?
You are brave. Your voice is heard in this parliament, and those of us who hear it will echo it until everyone listens. It is thanks to you that we have this resolution today.