Erbil, Kurdistan Region – President Masoud Barzani has welcomed recent remarks made by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding the role of Kurds in Syria’s future. Barzani lauded Al-Sharaa’s statement, calling it a significant step toward justice and inclusion for Kurds in Syria.

In his official response, President Barzani stated:

“In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

“I saw a statement by Ahmed al-Sharaa about the Kurd people in Syria, describing Kurds as a part of the country and a partner in the next Syria.

“That perspective is commendable for Kurds and the future of Syria, we welcome it, and we hope that this will be a start for correcting the course of history, as well as for addressing the wrong and unhealthy treatment committed against the Kurdish people in Syria.

“Such a view is conducive to building a strong Syria. The Kurds, Arabs, and all other communities in Syria should benefit from this opportunity so that they can work together to establish a stable, free, and democratic Syria.”

The remarks from Al-Sharaa were delivered on Sunday via a short video, where he addressed a question about Kurds in northeast Syria (Rojava), the western part of Kurdistan. In the video, Al-Sharaa described Kurds as “a part of the country” who had faced immense oppression similar to that faced by others under the overthrown Syrian regime. He added, “Inshalla (God willing), in the next Syria, they will be essential partners. We will live together, with each of us receiving our rights according to the law. There will be no more oppression of Kurds from today. There is imminent history and a new gate in the next Syria.”

When asked specifically about the situation in Afrin, Al-Sharaa affirmed his support for the return of displaced Afrin residents to their homes, pledging that “we will help Afrin’s people return to their areas and villages.”

In a related development, Kurdish authorities in Rojava announced on Thursday, December 12, 2024, their decision to raise the new Syrian flag over all its councils, organizations, and departments in the region. The flag, which features three colors — green, white, and black — along with three red stars, symbolizes a new era of independence after more than half a century of oppression under the former Syrian regime.

In its official statement, the Kurdish administration declared, “It is the flag of independence that has three colors — green, white, and black — with three red stars, symbolizing a new era after the end of more than half a century of oppression by the former Syrian regime.”

The administration further emphasized, “It is decided to raise the flag on all independent councils, agencies, and boards in all of those areas under its authority, taking into consideration that Syrians have the right to celebrate victory and new power.”

The combined developments reflect growing momentum toward a reimagined future for Syria’s Kurds and the broader Syrian population, with increasing calls for unity, justice, and the protection of all communities’ rights within a democratic framework.