By Ammar Johmani
Obeida Nahas, the head of the National Renewal Movement, revealed details of his visit to al-Qamishli two weeks ago, pointing out that he met with many Kurdish, Arab and Assyrian politicians in the Jazira area and stressed the continued political dialogue with the leaders there.
In an interview with Zaman al-Wasl, Nahas said that during his discussions with the al-Jazira political forces, he objected to their unilateral decision to establish federalism in Syria’s north. He considers that the experience of the Autonomous Administration is no different from the local councils, but there are differences in the size of international support especially from the US. Below are the details of the interview.
What were your reasons for visiting al-Qamishli?
My visit to al-Qamishli is the natural act of any Syrian visiting a part of my beloved country. It is necessary to become familiar with the reality of the Syrian al-Jazira region which has been neglected for decades, despite it being Syria's food and oil store. I met with the Syrian Arab, Kurdish and Assyrian political forces, and we talked a lot. We agreed and disagreed. We believe that this dialogue should continue.
How did you find the model of federalism in the north? Is it suitable for the Syrian situation?
We have seen the model of Autonomous Administration in the region which we consider part of Syrians’ experiences after the revolution of 2011, similar to the experiences of many local administration established by the Syrians. Perhaps the Kurdish Autonomous Administration has enjoyed what other Syrian experience [in governance] have not received, namely international protection and air cover because of its involvement in the war against the Islamic State.
Regarding federalism, our Kurdish brothers listened to our objections to the establishment of a federation in northern Syria unilaterally. We said that the federal system deserves positive debate, but a federalism that preserves the country's unity and stability can only be based on a geographical basis that guarantees the diversity in different areas and regions. Establishing a federal system in Syria cannot be only in part of the country, either there is a federal system between the regions of the whole country, or another form of state is agreed upon.
You have moved to a party completely rejected in Turkey. Does this mean that you are looking at the Turkish role through the eyes of 'Soriya al-Ghad'?
I look at Syria and the world through Syrian eyes. We appreciate the vital role of that all countries in the region friendly to Syrian play, their support for our people in their revolution or in reaching a political solution. We, as Syrians, must work together to reach a national solution that achieves the basic goals for which the revolution in Syria was launched and establish a new social contract that protects all Syrians and preserves their dignity, freedom, and achieves Syrian cohesion in the new democratic and diverse Syria.
Our goals in Syria are clear: defeat tyranny and terrorism. We have been clear in our dialogues about our refusal to compromise the security of our neighbors and to threaten neighboring societies with terrorism, and we refuse to compromise the security of the Syrians. What affects our brothers in Turkey or Saudi Arabia or any other country in the region affects us, and we call for good relations with neighboring countries, based on mutual respect for national independence, and a refusal of interferes in internal affairs.
We are looking for a strong Kurdish partner
What can you do and achieve with the Kurds if they have completed their project until now?
We are searching for a Syrian partner among our Kurdish brothers. A partner concerned with the unity of the Syrian soil, and the unity of purpose and fate. We believe that the dialogue that we have started is a positive step at this stage in which many projects and directions are struggling [against each other].
We have spoken frankly on many issues. We raised questions and listened to concerns. We sat face to face and spoke clearly and directly. We rejected steps that are imposed unilaterally. We agree on many of the constants, but we are still waiting for answers, and our agreement is on the line and it is being tested. We will defend it when it is for the benefit of the homeland, and we will not hesitate to take the appropriate situation if things do not go as they should God forbid.
The Muslim Brotherhood immediately denounced you after the announcement of your visit [to al-Qamishli]. What is your relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood?
Our decision in the National Renewal Movement is independent and represents us alone. My previous relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood is behind us, and I think that their stated position has confirmed this. We have an ideological and political dispute with the Muslim Brotherhood. Our project, which we will present to the Syrian public opinion, will be the real expression of our approach. We believe that national political action must unite and not divide based on religious, sectarian or ethnic grounds.
What is the second step after this visit?
On the political level, we have a lot of work to achieve with our people inside Syria. Our project is to build a Syrian national solution that will establish the state of justice, equality and law for all Syrians, and introduce accountability as an entry into national reconciliation. These are the basic demands of the Syrian revolution of freedom and dignity
