PYD leader: no plans for a Kurdish state

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Salih Muslim, co-leader of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) addressed the concerns from Ankara that recent military victories of the armed wing of his party, the YPG or People’s Protection Units, might lead to an independent state along the Turkish border.

“The concerns are unfounded and we are waiting to establish ties with the Turkish state,” Muslim said in a statement released Wednesday.

Muslim also denied having any ties to the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, a claim that has emerged from State-linked Turkish media.

 “You should have understood by now that the Turkish claims are wrong. We have never had ties with the Syrian regime,” said Muslim.

According to Muslim, “These claims are aimed at harming the image of the PYD.”

The statement protested against any Turkish incursion across the Syrian borders and said the PYD fighters are ready to fight back if the Kurdish territories were violated.

 “Turkey must abandon these intimidating policies,” Muslim added.