SOHR exclusive | “Reprehensible Turkish plan is behind the increase of the Kurds and Turkmen in SNC,” says Riad Darar
Several reports have referred to the current division in the structure of the largest political opposition body since the onset of the Syrian Revolution, the Syrian National Coalition (SNC). Meanwhile, the recently-discharged members have issued a statement confirming that the reports circulated about reformation are completely untrue, explaining that a Turkish plan was set with the aim of placing extra obstacles, hindering efforts to implement the political settlement. SNC has claimed that the expulsion of members from the Coalition came after their frequent absence and failure to comply with SNC regulations and that it was eager to involve Syrian representatives of sharia bodies and influential youth groups. Some politicians did not like the statements by the chairman of the “National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces,” Salem Al-Musalat, and they warned against an imminent serious scenario with Turkey being involved in it.
In an exclusive SOHR interview, the co-head of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), Riad Darar talked about the inability of any bodies affiliated to the Syrian National Coalition (SNC) to change the Coalition’s members without a Turkish veto or approval. Darar sees that the so-called “reformation” comes at Turkish government’s orders in accordance with its vision, citing the new proportions/quotas, which do not meet the desirable level which enables the Coalition to represent the Syrian people, as evidence.
Darar says that “the council of tribes and clans has been represented by five members, and it is common knowledge that these members are from areas from south Syria to the northern region. While the Independent Kurdish Association (KKS), which was formed at Turkish intelligence’s orders two years ago, is represented by three members, with a percentage exceeding a half of that of the tribes’ representatives. Moreover, the Kurdish National Council (ENKS) is represented by 11 members. This is a large number, as the number of ENKS representatives had not exceeded five members. This council represents only a small portion of Syrian people in north Syria. Furthermore, the Turkmen are represented by nine members. This is also a large number compared to the number of Syrian Turkmen. This clearly indicates to the Turkish intervention in the Coalition’s affairs.”
Darar also has brought to mind the step of the Turkish prime minister when he instructed rebel factions in north Syria to release statements praising and supporting the establishment of the Coalition.
The co-head of SDC adds, “all efforts exerted under ‘reformation,’ as they claim, are just instructions which leave considerable impact on the Syrian uprising in terms of accomplishing of the political task of the Coalition. Accordingly, this ‘reformation’ will be conditioned to starting negotiations expected to be held between Turkey and the Syrian regime to reach a settlement through direct agreements between Ankara and Damascus.”
Darar sees that this large proportion of the Kurds and Turkmen in the new structure comes as a part of efforts to impose influence on north Syria in the case that any shifts, confrontation or clashes take place against the Autonomous Administration. He thinks that the Syrian regime and Turkey are coordinate to weaken the project of the Autonomous Administration and replace it with the Coalition’s project which is being enhanced.
On the other hand, Darar commented on Stockholm Consultative Meeting II which was held earlier this week and discussed several issues relating to the concepts of state-building and obstacles which hinder reaching a decentralised and democratic rule in Syria.
Darar has emphasised that many Syrian figures have communicated with Syria Democratic Council to discuss possible political settlements in Syria and exchange political visions and proposals about the country’s future. He has also referred to the SDC’s ability to lead the Syrian dialogue and conferences about a political settlement in Syria and to play an effective role in implementing this settlement.