PARIS, France – Khalid Isa, the representative of Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) in Paris, accuses Turkey of using the Islamic State (ISIS) war as a pretext to enter Syria and pursue its own regional agendas in the Middle East.
Isa, a prominent Kurdish diplomat, told Rudaw that world powers -- including Russia and the United States -- are increasingly aware of Ankara's "real intentions" in Syria and its war against the Kurdish enclave in the country.
In an interview with Rudaw, Isa spoke about topics ranging from the role of the Kurds in a post-war Syria to their relations with neighboring countries.
Below is a translation of the interview:
Rudaw: How are the diplomatic relations between the Federal Rojava and other countries?
When these countries realized what was going on and saw our just cause, our relations with them evolved, 
Khalid Isa: We have done our utmost to have relations with Syria's neighboring countries. Unfortunately, Turkey's policies are against the federal process and the plans for a federal and democratic Syria. On an international level, we have had good relations with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in particular. We had that relation even before the establishment of the federal system in Rojava, but it was not formal. When these countries realized what was going on and saw our just cause, our relations with them evolved -- especially when they realized that the Kurdish experience and project are important to a peaceful solution in Turkey and that they serve security and democracy in Syria. Moreover in the past, the relations were on a party political level and military levels, but now these relations are institutionalized. And since our relations have expanded, even the territories under our management have expanded. Now we administrate an area that is larger than Belgium or Lebanon. Our representatives in foreign countries are in charge of our relations. Their work involves the war against ISIS, but also cultural relations between different institutions.
How many offices have you opened in other countries?
In the past the relations were mostly in Istanbul and the Kurdistan Region, but later we expanded it to include Berlin and Stockholm. In Norway we have plans to open a representation and in The Netherlands. We established our office here in Paris last April.
Are your foreign representatives recognized in these countries?
We do not call for an independent state, but we want a solution within Syria. Some of our representatives have relations higher than the foreign ministry. In some countries they have set up relations with the top leadership of these countries.
How come you do not have any offices in the US and the UK, which are two important countries.
We open offices when the relations are fully established. There are preparations to open an office in the US.
We do not call for an independent state, but we want a solution within Syria.
The relations between Rojava and France are stronger than with other countries. What are the reasons for that?
France is a permanent member of the Security Council. It is a great power which sees itself as responsible towards peace and security in the world and the Middle East. The French government respects public opinion. And of course it has national interests. As Kurdish representatives, we do also have national interests. When there are common interests, indeed relations become stronger. The position of the French President Francois Hollande in regard to the Turkish interference in Rojava and occupying an area there was a great position. We hope that this position will be the stance of all world powers.
What are the common interests between France and Kurds that you mentioned earlier?
As I said, as a permeant member of the Security Council France sees itself as responsible towards peace and security. They know that the Rojava federal project promotes peace and stability. When it comes to the position of the French president, France realized that Turkey's incursion into Rojava would endanger peace and stability. In addition to that, we do have a shared history. Syria was under French mandate when this part of Kurdistan was annexed to the Syrian state… All great powers now know that Rojava has become the key to the Middle East. This is why they take the risk and support Rojava. In spite of all this, France also has common interests with Turkey. This is why French support for Rojava does not mean a cancellation of their ties with Turkey. France tries to push Turkey to realize the reality of Rojava and stop opposing it. Hopefully, our relations with these countries will stop Turkish aggression.
What is it that these countries want you to do and what do they criticize you for?
All great powers now know that Rojava has become the key to the Middle East.
Most of these countries regard the federal project as a democratic project. They see it as the best project, given the ongoing war in the region. They know that we are very serious in confronting ISIS. They also believe in our project in removing the regime and establishing a democratic government instead. They think that the success of our project will not endanger their interests in the region. Everyone knows that Syria is not a powerful country. Before 2011, Syria's budget was not more than $10 billion. The good relations of these countries with Rojava are because of the democratic project, the war against terror. Since terror is a common threat against both us and them. Many of those who migrated to Europe through Turkey were in fact recruits of terror groups who committed mass murder in European cities. We share our commitment to the war against terror. Even in terms of strategy, they know that we are a player that can bring about peace in Syria and the Middle East. And in terms of social change, they think that we can push the region towards more openness.
The US has good relations with the Kurds in Rojava on the ground. But publicly they say they have no political ties with you. Is there a contradiction here?
The US knows very well that militant groups like ISIS attack American interests in the Middle East. This is why they coordinate with forces that are at war with ISIS. America is a federal country. The kind of federalism we seek is not domination of one nation over others. Syria is an important country for the US. Syria has little economic importance, but geopolitically it is important for the region. If unrest continues in Syria, the whole region will be engulfed in instability. When Turkey enters Rojava, there is a risk that the unrest continues into Turkey. In that regard neither the US nor other powers want an expansion of the unrest.
But why didn't the US and other countries react forcefully against Turkish incursion into Jarablus?
The kind of federalism we seek is not domination of one nation over others.
Turkey is taking advantage of the US and other forces in the region. Ankara believes that the West and the Middle East are in need of Turkey. It threatens to change positions and take the side of the Eastern powers….The Turkish state is playing with the tension between the West and the East. Unofficial information suggests that Turkey and Syria had an agreement (in regard to Jarablus) but we do not know how long that pact will last. The Turkish intelligence chief was reportedly on a 5-day visit to Damascus. He allegedly met with the Syrian president too. The US is a NATO ally just like Turkey. When Ankara's relations are mended with Moscow, Turkish-Iranian ties will also thrive. The US is trying to protect its own interests. This is why the reactions of the US and Russia were not forceful in regard to the Turkish incursion. But most other countries are protesting loudly now. Perhaps Ankara has initially deceived these countries with its slogan of war against ISIS. But when these countries saw the real intentions of the Turkish government they changed positions. We see that Moscow is changing its stance. In the start it only criticized the incursion. Now, they say Kurds must not be attacked. When the US realized that Turkey would cross the boundaries, it mounted pressure on Ankara to declare a ceasefire with the military council in Jarablus. We hope that the Turkish army is retreating after this ceasefire, because this land belongs to Rojava. The US and other forces now warn Turkey that if it continues its military operations in Syria, other forces will do the same and the whole region will see a new wave of unrest. Turkey deployed some 1,200 gunmen to Rojava and Kobani. But we honored the international agreements and only complained to the great powers to contain Turkey's aggression. What Turkey is doing on the ground is dangerous. It violates international treaties and boundaries. We hope sincerely that world powers push Turkey out of Rojava.
How realistic is to expect the US to control Turkey? What will be the position of Russia?
In their public statements the Americans clearly want to contain Turkey. The US pressured Ankara to declare the ceasefire.
But the Turks say there is no ceasefire.
France is totally against the incursion and I do not think Putin will accept Turkish presence in Syria.
It is not any importance. Everyone knows that the US mediated a ceasefire between the two. The Turkish army and the military council in Jarablus have reached a ceasefire. The Kurdish forces -- YPG and the YPJ -- are not part of the ceasefire.
Some reports suggest that Turkey is trying to control the road between Manbij and Albab. Can you confirm that?
The people of Manbij came to the streets and denounced Turkish incursion. The military council in Albab is preparing to liberate Albab. They have already liberated several villages there. If the Turkish army continues to advance, the ceasefire will be derailed and the people of the area will stand against Turkey.
Do you think Turkish president can break a new deal with the US and Russia and take control of Rojava?
No I do not, since the protests against Turkey are toughening every day. Damascus did not react forcefully when the Turkish army entered Syria, but its position has changed since. So has the position of all other countries. Syria called on the US to intervene. Even the Russians are more vocal now against Turkish incursion. France is totally against the incursion and I do not think Putin will accept Turkish presence in Syria. Ankara has tried to deceive these powers with its war against ISIS.
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