Syrian Foreign Minister Highlights Assad Regime's Oppression of Kurds

Jan. 22, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Asaad Hassan Shaibani, New Syria’s Administration Foreign Minister has publicly condemned Assad’s regime for its crimes against the Kurdish population in Syria, calling attention to longstanding injustices.

Writing in Kurdish language on his personal X account, Shaibani stated that “the Kurds in Syria add beauty and light to the Syrian people’s diversity. The Kurdish community in Syria has been subjected to injustice by the Assad regime.”

Kurd li Sûriyê bedewî û ronahiyê li cihêrengiya gelê Sûriyê zêde dikin. Civaka Kurd li Sûriyê ji aliyê rejîma Esed ve rastî neheqiyê hat. Em ê bi hev re welatekî ava bikin ku her kes tê de wekhevî û edaletê hîs bike.

— أسعد حسن الشيباني (@Asaad_Shaibani) January 21, 2025

The use of Kurdish language in such a high-profile statement marks a watershed moment in Syrian history, reflecting a symbolic acknowledgment of the Kurdish language and identity, which have long been suppressed under successive regimes in Damascus.

Shaibani further underscored the importance of fostering inclusivity, stating, "Together, we will build a country where everyone experiences equality and justice."

Shaibani's comments arrive during a period where the Kurdish issue continues to be a delicate subject in Middle Eastern geopolitics. This is particularly relevant following extensive discussions between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the political and security leaders of the new Syrian administration, which assumed power after the overthrow of Assad's regime in December.

Read More: Intensive Negotiations to Address the Status of SDF in Syria

Al-Shayban’s remarks about the Assad regime's treatment of the Kurdish population in northern Syria (Rojava) provide a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that Kurds face in the region from marginalizing by successive governments in Damascus, or the killing, displacement and demographic change by the Turkish-backed National Army.