Faisal Youssef Hails President Barzani's Role: 'A Historic Message on a Historic Day'

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a powerful show of solidarity and political vision, Faisal Youssef, spokesperson for the Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS), hailed President Masoud Barzani's role in fostering Kurdish unity during the historic Kurdish Unity and Solidarity Conference that convened today, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Qamishlo.

Speaking to Kurdistan24, Youssef emphasized that President Barzani had long been the "owner of the Kurdish unity initiative," particularly after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. He noted that Barzani’s leadership, coupled with the cooperation of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-General Mazloum Abdi, had played a pivotal role in bringing together the Kurdish political factions in Western Kurdistan, allowing them to overcome longstanding divisions and unify their vision for the future.

"President Barzani’s message to the Kurdish Unity and Solidarity Conference was a historic message, on a historic day, heralding a new stage for Syria," Youssef said. In his message, Barzani reaffirmed his unwavering support for Kurdish unity and called upon all Kurdish forces in Western Kurdistan to become full partners in Syria’s future governance structure while working to strengthen relations with the broader Syrian populace.

Faisal Youssef stressed that a unified Kurdish position would empower Kurds to play an influential and effective role in shaping Syria's new political landscape. "If Kurds in Western Kurdistan are united and have a common stance, they will be strong and can play an effective role in the new Syria," he declared.

He also highlighted ENKS’s support for a decentralized political model, stating that the Council would fully implement any decisions made by the conference regarding administrative decentralization, provided they serve the interests of the Kurdish people in Western Kurdistan.

The conference, which commenced at 10:00 a.m., brought together nearly 50 Kurdish political parties, including key participants from the Kurdish National Council in Syria, the Democratic Autonomous Administration, and other independent parties. In addition to representatives from Rojava and northeastern Syria, notable Kurdish figures from Aleppo, Damascus, Azaz, Hama, and Al-Bab also participated, underscoring the wide-reaching support and significance of the gathering.

The Unity and Solidarity Conference marks a critical juncture for Kurds in Syria, as they seek to formalize a unified political platform and establish a joint delegation tasked with negotiating Kurdish rights with the new Syrian government. In the spirit of historic collaboration and renewed hope, today’s conference symbolizes a potential turning point in the century-long Kurdish quest for recognition and equal citizenship within Syria.