Socialist International will support Kurdistan’s dreams, future: Secretary General

The Secretary General of the Socialist International conveyed his admiration and support for the Kurdistan Region.
kurdistan24.net

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – In a recent interview with Kurdistan24, the Secretary General of the Socialist International conveyed his admiration and support for the Kurdistan Region.

Luis Ayala, the Secretary General of the Socialist International, said Kurds could rely on his organization's solidarity, especially with regards to the upcoming independence referendum scheduled for Sep. 25, 2017.

“We’re trying to be constructive, we’re trying to be helpful,” Ayala said when talking about supporting the Kurds. “They can count on our solidarity and support.”

He added the Socialist International had been colleagues of the Kurds in the Region for several years.

“We have been companions and good friends of the [Kurdistan Region]; we have been partners in many of the challenges together,” Ayala said.

The Secretary General mentioned his organization would “support [the Kurds’] way ahead,” but explained any decision for independence is up to the people of Kurdistan.

Ayala also addressed the Kurds’ ongoing battles against terrorism and other forms of oppression in the Middle East.

“They have been as one in fighting against terror, in fighting for democracy, for freedom, for rights,” he stated.

The Secretary General praised the President of the Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, and his efforts dedicated to the Kurdish cause.

“We are very good friends with President Barzani,” Ayala told Kurdistan24. “We have tremendous admiration for the kind of leadership he has provided.”

He expressed the Socialist International’s “obligation” to back the Kurdistan Region.

“We want to support and share in their commitments, but also share their dreams and their future,” Ayala concluded.

According to their website, the Socialist International is "the worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist, and labor parties."

 

Editing by G. H. Renaud

(Kurdistan24 team in New York City conducted the interview)