
Mazloum Abdi: We need to visit Imrali, Turkey should not be afraid of this

2025-11-24 11:51:47


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	HESEKE – Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said that their visits to Imrali would contribute to the process and be beneficial to Turkey. Abdi emphasised that a decentralised administration would strengthen Syria.&nbsp;

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	Political uncertainty continues in Syria following the outbreak of civil war in 2011. While a Transitional Government was declared after the overthrow of the Assad regime, the rights of different peoples and faiths have not yet been recognised. Discussions continue on how institutions and organisation affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria will fit into the new system.&nbsp;

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	The Peace and Democratic Society Process initiated in Turkey to resolve the Kurdish issue is also directly affecting the situation here. After the process began, tensions in the region eased, and contacts between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and Turkey came to the fore.&nbsp;

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	SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi made important assessments on these issues to the Mezopotamya Agency (MA). &nbsp;

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	In the second part of our interview with Abdi, we discussed relations with Turkey, whether there was contact with Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, and other topics of interest concerning Abdi.&nbsp;

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	Relations between Turkey and North and East Syria are on the agenda during this process. Is there a relationship, and if so, at what stage?

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	There is a relationship, and there are open channels between us. However, there is no agreement. There is an exchange of views (regarding Syria). This is a good thing. We want these talks to strengthen. We want them to be formal and to reach agreement on certain issues. &nbsp;

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		Turkey has certain concerns; we want to put these on our agenda and resolve them. We have concerns too. Like Afrin. Our people cannot return because of Turkey's presence. &nbsp;


	Turkey has certain concerns, and we want to put these on our agenda and resolve them. We have concerns too. We have occupied territories. Our people cannot return because of Turkey's presence. Like Afrin, Serêkaniyê. We want to resolve these issues with Turkey. We want these talks to be elevated so that we can achieve positive results.&nbsp;

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	What are Turkey's concerns? For a long time, North and East Syria have been seen as a threat. What does it mean that these concerns persist despite the talks?

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	They say it is a threat, but we do not agree. We are the ones under attack. We are the ones whose land has been occupied. We are the ones whose people have been displaced and cannot return. We are the ones under pressure, not the Turkish side. We cannot make sense of this. However, they see the existence of a Kurdish military force as a threat. We do not agree with this. They see the possible status of the Kurds as a threat to themselves. They see the integration of military and security forces into the Syrian state as a threat and have made statements to this effect.

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	Is this true or not?&nbsp;

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		Resolving the issues within the Syrian government will bring peace. Turkey should therefore support the process, not oppose it.&nbsp;


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	That is not correct. On the contrary, our presence, overcoming this de facto situation, the participation of institutions (in the government) – we are talking about tens of thousands of soldiers – and again, major issues such as oil... Resolving these issues within the Syrian government will bring peace. It will also bring peace to Turkey. For this reason, we want them to support this process, not oppose it.&nbsp;

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	The Peace and Democratic Society Process and the situation in North and East Syria are being addressed in connection with each other. How does the process affect this area, what is the connection?

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		If we are discussing relations with Turkey today, it is thanks to this process. We want to do whatever we can, whatever the SDF can do, to ensure this process is successful.


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	It has a complete impact. In fact, it concerns North and East Syria more than anyone else (outside the north). There is now a ceasefire with the Turkish army here. This came about thanks to the process. If this process is concluded, the ceasefire here will also be permanent. If we are talking about relations with Turkey today, it is thanks to this process. We want to do what we can, what the SDF can do, to ensure this process is successful. We want to be a supporting party, not an obstacle. The progress of this process will most affect North and East Syria. Again, the resolution of the Kurdish issue in North and East Syria will also contribute to the peace process. &nbsp;

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	Have you had any contact with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan during this process?

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		Contact has been made with Ocalan. Discussions should take place between Rojava and Imrali regarding the resolution of certain issues. This will contribute positively to the process.&nbsp;


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	Yes, it has been done. Imrali's views were obtained through an appropriate method (by letter), and our views were also conveyed. There are certain issues; for example, they mention the presence of some northern fighters. They mention PKK members. Only Imrali can resolve this. The solution is linked to Imrali's call. Therefore, discussions should take place between Rojava and Imrali regarding the resolution of certain issues. Conducting these discussions in a more effective manner will positively contribute to both the peace process and the resolution of issues in North and East Syria.&nbsp;

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	&nbsp;If the conditions are right, would you also like to meet with Abdullah Ocalan?

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	According to what the delegation that went to Imrali told us, Leader Apo also wanted Rojava officials to visit there (Imrali). We also need this. This will contribute positively to both the process and the resolution of the problems in North and East Syria.&nbsp;

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	Should Turkey not be afraid of this situation? &nbsp;

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	No, it should not be afraid. This will be in Turkey's interest. &nbsp;

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	There is talk of the possibility of you visiting Turkey. Is there any truth to this? Have you been invited, or do you wish to hold talks with the Turkish authorities? &nbsp;

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	There is no problem for us. Since this situation will contribute positively to the solution, why shouldn't we go? We see it positively.&nbsp;

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	There are some other important topics; one of them is the issue of DAESH. Is DAESH still a threat? &nbsp;

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		The threat posed by DAESH has not diminished. DAESH has plans to strengthen itself. The fight against DAESH must be intensified. The situation at Hol Camp concerns everyone.&nbsp;


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	Danger. This danger has not diminished. DAESH has plans to strengthen itself. Last month, 15 of our comrades were martyred as a result of DAESH attacks. There are also attempts by DAESH members to escape from prison. They continue their activities in Hol Camp. DAESH is dangerous and has spread to Syrian cities. It found a foothold especially after the regime fell in Syria. They acquired some weapons from the Assad regime. They move freely due to the security vacuum in many areas. Therefore, the fight against DAESH must be strengthened.&nbsp;

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	What does the coalition think about Hol Camp, and is there any progress on this issue? &nbsp;

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	The situation in Hol is important. It concerns not only us but everyone. We have developed solutions in many respects. The number there has now been halved. However, there is still danger. Problems occur all the time. If military operations are not carried out every 2-3 months, it gets out of control. This danger must be recognised. More attention needs to be paid to Hol. Some of those remaining in Hol are not Syrian. We want to resolve this. Thousands of DAESH members have families. This takes time. There are important issues. Some funding problems have arisen. We now want to resolve this.&nbsp;

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	What kind of Syria does the Autonomous Administration want?

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		We want a decentralised Syria. The people should be able to elect their representatives. Military, administrative security... This is not fragmentation; it does not weaken Syria, but rather strengthens it.&nbsp;


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	Many people have misunderstood what we want. We want a decentralised Syria. How will this decentralised system work? Of course, we are talking about something that is possible. There was a conference of Kurdish forces and the demand for federalism emerged. The Kurdish forces want this. We are not against it. However, we are currently working on what is possible. We want the international community to accept this. The Europeans must accept it. The Damascus government must accept it. We are now in the midst of such a search. Our main goal is to protect the struggle and sacrifice of this people (I am not only talking about the Kurds, but also those from Dêrazor and Raqqa. They also made great sacrifices, gave thousands of martyrs). For us, the main thing is to protect these gains. The labour of this people must not be in vain. They too must take their place with strength.&nbsp;

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	What is needed for this is that this people must be able to elect their representatives. Military, administrative, security... They must be able to elect their representatives and be represented. They must elect themselves and participate in the Syrian state on this basis. This is what we mean by not being centralised. We are very clear on this. We have shared this with the Damascus government and with everyone. This is not fragmentation. It does not weaken Syria; on the contrary, it strengthens it.

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	What affected you most during the Rojava Revolution? &nbsp;

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		Without hesitation, I would say the Battle of Kobanê. The Battle of Kobanê was the turning point. Kobanê was the first city to resist DAESH. It was a great test.&nbsp;


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	Without hesitation, I would say the Battle of Kobanê. The battle of Kobanê was a huge test for everyone. For us first and foremost, but also for all Kurds and the international community. It was a turning point because it was either going to be DAESH's success or the beginning of its demise. If DAESH had succeeded in Kobanê, it would have succeeded throughout Syria. It would have succeeded in Iraq too. Kobanê was the first city to resist DAESH. Until then, major cities had fallen one by one, unable to resist. Both in Iraq and Syria. DAESH took whatever it targeted. But there was resistance in Kobanê, and it lasted a long time. The whole world saw this resistance. It was a great test. The Kurds united. Kurds came from the four parts to fight. Syria united. Finally, international forces – official or internationalists – came and fought. There was a huge battle in Kobanê. It was both a difficult and a powerful moment. The victory in the battle of Kobanê marked the beginning of the end for DAESH. &nbsp;

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	During the revolution, were there any moments when you thought, "I wish we had done this or that"? &nbsp;

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	When we compare the mind-set of that period with the mind-set of this period, there are, of course, many issues. We were a bit late in establishing a joint military force (comprising all formations). If we had done it earlier, perhaps our situation in Syria would be very different. It was formed late. We took some steps too late. If we had taken them in time, the results could be very different now.&nbsp;

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	Some people call you "General"; some call you "Mazlûm Ebdî", some call you "Şahîn Cîlo", and some countries see you as a "dangerous person". How would you describe yourself?&nbsp;

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		I am a natural person; I do not deny what I have done from the past to the present. Our greatest goal is not to disappoint the people's hopes.&nbsp;


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	There are reasons for all of these statements. I am a natural person. I do not deny what I have done from the past to the present. Before the Rojava Revolution of during the revolutionary process, everything had a necessity, a role, and these were done at the right time. However, today we have national responsibilities in North and East Syria. Of course, we do not see ourselves as separate from the Kurds in other parts. Mazloum Abdi will also play his role in all these matters. The people in North and East Syria have placed their trust in us. We always receive messages from them. They have hope. We know that there is hope that the SDF will play its role. Our biggest goal is not to disappoint this hope and to succeed.&nbsp;

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	Have you ever experienced a situation that threatened your life? &nbsp;

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	There have been several assassination attempts. Twice, friends beside me were martyred. Sometimes these attempts failed. However, such things are normal in the revolutionary process. We are continuing our work now.&nbsp;

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	Do you have a message for the Turkish people through the Mezopotamya Agency? &nbsp;

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	First and foremost, the people of Turkey should believe in and support the peace process developing from Imrali. Secondly, the strengthening of North and East Syria and the SDF and their joining the Syrian army will bring peace to Turkey. We want them to believe this. On this basis, let us advance relations together on a new foundation, in a strong and equal manner.&nbsp;

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	MA / Azad Altay &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;