Activists rally at European Parliament over Turkish attacks in NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Dozens of politicians and activists demonstrated on Thursday in front of the European Parliament in the French city of Strasbourg, protesting against the Turkish attacks on areas and cities in northern and northeastern Syria.
For three days, starting from On Dec. 25, 2023, Turkey bombarded populated areas and vital facilities in northern Syria, causing material losses and civilian casualties.
The demonstrators signed a memorandum that was also endorsed by ten political parties and other organizations, which was handed over to the European Parliament after the protest. In the memorandum, they stated that since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011, Turkey has repeatedly and forcefully interfered in Syrian affairs.
They added that the recent round of bombardment was a continuation of these attacks. The recent attacks targeted several vital infrastructure sites in the region, including power, gas, and water stations, oil wells, and a number of civilian and service facilities, including hospitals.
They said that Turkey’s justification behind the attacks, which is protecting its national security, is nothing but an indication of its hostile attitude towards the Kurdish people and the gains they have achieved. Additionally, the bombardment reflects a Turkish policy that aims at dividing Syrian communities.
They pointed out that the repeated Turkish attacks pose a threat to the relative stability in the region, undermine the foundations of civil peace and coexistence among the region’s communities, and strike efforts made to combat terrorist organizations, primarily the Islamic State (ISIS).
The protesters called on the Parliament to halt Turkish attacks and military operations in northern Syria. They also urged it to pressure Turkey to respect the international law and the sovereignty of the Syrian state.
They called for the establishment of a safe zone in the region, and the formation of committees to investigate the recent Turkish attacks and monitor the resulting destruction. The demonstrators also called for the implementation of U.N. Resolution 2254, which seeks a political settlement in Syria.