Kurdish Official: Syrian Kurds Take Pride in Their Syrian Identity and Do Not Seek Separation
Mahmoud Habib, the spokesperson for the Northern Democratic Brigade of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), denied rumors about Kurdish aspirations for secession or external dependency.
In an interview with RT, Habib emphasized that Syrian Kurds take pride in their Syrian identity and have no desire to separate from the country, nor do they have any external allegiances. Regarding the term Syrian Arab Republic, he stated that while the name does not bother them, Syria was called the Syrian Republic from its independence until 1963, encompassing and protecting all its people. He argued that adding Arab to the name excludes many groups, saying, “When I am a Kurdish citizen, and my passport states that I am an Arab Syrian citizen, this undermines Kurdish identity and nationality.”
Habib also pointed out that the new Syrian government remains one-dimensional in representation, referencing the National Dialogue Conference, which largely included participants from a single political background.
Regarding the draft constitutional declaration, Habib noted that it reduced the Syrian people to a single category, leading to widespread rejection from politicians, media figures, and civil society activists.
On Abdullah Öcalan’s latest message, Habib affirmed that it strongly aligns with the SDF’s vision for a united Syria with a unified army and people. However, he also highlighted that Turkey’s intervention in Syrian affairs, including its military operations and targeting of northern Syria, continues to hinder internal peace in the country.
