Salih Muslim Describes President Barzani-Mazloum Abdi Meeting as 'Very Important'

"Steps must continue to resolve remaining issues and foster Kurdish unity. During the meeting, Kurdish issues were discussed, and it was decided to keep dialogue channels open," Muslim stated.

Salih Muslim, a senior member of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Council Presidency. (Photo redesigned by Kurdistan24)
Salih Muslim, a senior member of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Council Presidency. (Photo redesigned by Kurdistan24)

Jan. 19, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Salih Muslim, a member of the PYD Council Presidency, commended the latest meeting between President Masoud Barzani and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi as a crucial step toward settling Kurdish issues and promoting unity among Kurdish factions.

Salih Muslim, a senior member of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Council Presidency, defined the meeting between President Masoud Barzani and SDF Commander General Mazloum Abdi as "very important for the Kurdish people."

Speaking to media outlets affiliated with the Democratic Unity Party (DEM), Muslim underscored the necessity for sustained dialogue to resolve standing issues and foster Kurdish solidarity.

"Steps must continue to resolve remaining issues and foster Kurdish unity. During the meeting, Kurdish issues were discussed, and it was decided to keep dialogue channels open," Muslim stated, reflecting optimism about the progress attained during the high-profile talks.

Condemnation of Turkish Attacks

Muslim also addressed Turkey’s latest attacks on Manbij and the Tishrin Dam, describing them as an escalation of aggression intended to occupy Kurdish regions.

“We are carrying out diplomatic meetings in European countries against these attacks,” he said, adding that the PYD is awaiting a response from the United States.

"We expect that President-elect Trump will issue a statement to restore the previously signed ceasefire. However, we are preparing for all scenarios," he remarked, indicating the PYD’s preparedness for potential escalations.

According to Muslim, Turkey's intensified aggression follows Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) control of the Damascus administration and reflects Ankara’s ambition to dominate Kurdish areas.

Strategic Significance of Targets

Muslim expounded on Turkey’s strategic goals, noting its focus on the Tishrin Dam and the Qara Qozaq Bridge as entry points to the Euphrates region.

"They intend to control these areas to advance their occupation plans, but they have not succeeded so far," he asserted.

Dialogue and the Kurdish Issue

Muslim connected Turkey’s actions to its unsettled Kurdish issue, which he called the root cause of current regional instability.

He emphasized the significance of resolving this issue via peaceful dialogue, including tackling the situation of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.

"Turkey is not addressing its Kurdish issue, which is the foundation of today's problems. If resolved through dialogue, the attacks against us would also end," he specified, advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the longstanding conflict.

A Call for Broader Support

Concluding his comments, Muslim urged international community to support the Kurdish people, highlighting their leadership role in promoting democracy in the Middle East.

"A solution through dialogue would be advantageous to all parties involved. The Kurdish people are now leading democracy in the Middle East. Everyone should support this process," he urged.

The meeting between Barzani and Mazloum Abdi, combined with the PYD's continued diplomatic efforts, underlines the crucial significance of unity among Kurdish factions in the face of regional challenges.

Observers view these developments as a likely turning point for advancing Kurdish political cohesion and coping with the broader geopolitical tensions in Syria and beyond.