Faisal Yusuf: Date of Kurdish Unity Conference to be Announced Soon
Faisal Yousef, spokesperson for the KNCS, rejected recent reports claiming the conference had been delayed or derailed, affirming that “no official date has yet been announced to claim it has been postponed.”
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS) confirmed on Thursday that preparations for the long-anticipated Kurdish-Kurdish Unity Conference are advancing steadily, with an official announcement on the date expected in the coming days.
Speaking exclusively to Kurdistan 24, Faisal Yousef, spokesperson for the KNCS, rejected recent reports claiming the conference had been delayed or derailed, affirming that “no official date has yet been announced to claim it has been postponed.” He emphasized that preparations for the intra-Kurdish conference are progressing “with firm and deliberate steps, driven by a tangible will to succeed and convene the meeting as soon as possible.”
Yusuf acknowledged the legitimate concerns within the Kurdish public, which stem from years of faltering initiatives and missed opportunities for unity, but called on all parties to learn from past setbacks and remain focused on achieving a strategic breakthrough.
“We respect and value the opinions of our friends, brothers, and the Kurdish street,” he said. “The KNCS remains fully committed to fulfilling their aspirations. We consider Kurdish unity a strategic choice—an irreversible path toward realizing the hopes of the Kurdish people within a democratic and decentralized Syria.”
Speculation of delays dismissed as parties finalize preparations
Yusuf’s remarks came after reports by Syria TV alleged that disagreements between the KNCS and the Democratic Union Party (PYD), particularly over perceived interference by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), had caused the postponement of the official announcement of the joint Kurdish political vision, which was reportedly set to be unveiled in Qamishlo on Friday.
However, Speculation of Syria tv was dismissed, as Sama Bekdash, a senior official in the PYD, also stated on Wednesday that “the Conference for Declaring the Shared Political Vision will take place after April 18, with the exact date to be announced later.” She confirmed that preparations are ongoing and aimed at ensuring inclusive and effective participation from all Kurdish political forces.
Renewed momentum for Kurdish political alignment
The renewed momentum toward a unified Kurdish position follows a pivotal meeting held on Mar. 18, 2025 in Hasakah between the KNCS and a PYD delegation. The talks were attended by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi and U.S. Special Envoy Scott Bowles, reflecting the high-level regional and international support for Kurdish reconciliation.
According to sources obtained by Kurdistan 24, the meeting was marked by a positive atmosphere and a shared determination to complete the necessary steps toward formalizing a joint Kurdish delegation for talks with Damascus.
SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi affirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that “the perspectives of both sides were met with satisfaction,” calling the meeting “the first step in negotiations aimed at achieving Kurdish unity.”
Political context and constitutional tensions
These developments come against the backdrop of rising political tensions in Syria, particularly in the wake of the government’s controversial constitutional declaration on March 13 and the interim government formation on March 30. The document and the new cabinet have drawn sharp criticism from Kurdish political groups and other minority communities for failing to enshrine genuine pluralism or ensure fair representation.
On March 14, protests erupted in Amuda and other cities in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), as demonstrators condemned the charter’s exclusionary tone and centralist framework. Both the SDF and the KNCS released statements denouncing the declaration, warning that it risks deepening sectarian and ethnic divides across the country.
In his interview with Kurdistan 24, Faisal Yusuf reiterated that both parties had reached a “mutual understanding” on the necessity of forming a joint Kurdish delegation to begin direct negotiations with the Syrian government. He added that the agreement reflects a collective Kurdish demand for recognition of political, cultural, and civil rights within a new, democratic Syrian framework.
As Kurdish factions edge closer to a historic agreement, the success of this initiative could mark a pivotal turning point in the Kurdish political struggle in Syria—one that bridges past divisions and lays the foundation for a unified voice in shaping the country’s future.
