The Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS) has raised concerns over the exclusion of Kurdish political forces from Syria’s ongoing political process, warning that such an approach jeopardizes the prospects for a democratic and inclusive future for the country.

In an interview with Kurdistan24 on Tuesday, KNCS spokesperson Faisal Yusuf criticized the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, held in Damascus on February 24-25, for failing to include all political and civil forces. Yusuf described the exclusion as a "major mistake," particularly in light of the Syrian people’s demands for a break from the exclusionary policies of the past regime.

"The Syrian people took to the streets demanding a pluralistic democratic system. These demands must be fulfilled," Yusuf stressed. He warned that limiting political dialogue to one faction sets a negative precedent for the country’s future and undermines the aspirations of a diverse and democratic Syria.

Kurds Must Choose Their Own Representatives

Yusuf addressed the participation of certain Kurdish figures in the conference, expressing respect for their attendance. However, he emphasized that the Kurdish community alone has the authority to determine its legitimate representatives. "The Kurdish cause is a fundamental national issue that cannot be resolved through the statements or resolutions of any conference," he stated.

He also pointed out that past Syrian opposition conferences, including those held in Cairo and other cities, have repeatedly affirmed the need to address the Kurdish issue within the framework of a unified Syrian state. Despite these declarations, no concrete steps have been taken to date.

KNCS Rejected Participation Due to Lack of Official Representation

Yusuf revealed that some KNCS members were invited to the conference but only in a personal capacity, not as official representatives of the council. This led the KNCS to decline participation, reiterating its stance that any political process must be genuinely inclusive to be effective.

"The Kurdish political movement is working toward a unified political vision," Yusuf said. He emphasized that in any future negotiations or conferences, Kurds must be represented by a joint delegation that reflects their collective interests.

Kurds Will Continue to Fight for Their Rights

When asked about the potential consequences of continued exclusion, Yusuf affirmed that the Kurdish struggle for rights would persist. He outlined that the KNCS has clear strategies for securing Kurdish rights at the international level and has been actively pursuing these goals both before and after the fall of the Assad regime.

"We are committed to working step by step to build a unified political stance, ensuring that Kurdish representation in Syria’s future is secured through legitimate and inclusive mechanisms," Yusuf concluded.

The KNCS’s statements highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Kurdish political forces in Syria as they seek to secure their place in the country’s political future. The exclusion of key groups from critical dialogues raises questions about the inclusivity and legitimacy of Syria’s political processes, casting doubt on the prospects for a truly democratic and unified Syria.