2024: Dec wk4P2 -- Dec wk4 -- Dec wk3P4 -- Dec wk3P3 -- Dec wk3P2

 When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.


Syrian Women's Council
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December 23, 2024 - by NORŞAN ABDI
<<Syrian Women's Council issues declaration
The Syrian Women's Council issued a declaration on Saturday regarding the fall of the Baathist regime, saying, "This process must recognize the will of women, a fair and equal representation of women must be ensured."
News Center- The Syrian Women's Council issued a declaration on Saturday regarding the developments following the fall of the Baathist regime on December 8. The members of the council held a press conference at the April 4th Park in Hasakah and the declaration was read by Suher Senuhe, coordinating member of the council.
The declaration is as follows:
"As women living in Syria, we have lived for many years under the Baath regime’s nationalist and unilateralist policies that do not recognize the will of women. The peoples of Syria, who rose up against the cruel regime in 2011, have faced war, migration, occupation and ISIS persecution in the 13 years that followed. Women have suffered the most in this period. We have struggled against the Baath regime, as well as against ISIS, and against all forms of oppression and enslavement. We have paid a high price, but we have not lost our hope to live in a free and democratic Syria. As women from all ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds in Syria, we established the Syrian Women’s Counsel with the determination to build a free future for all Syrian people. Now, more than ever, we have a strong will and determination to play a more effective leadership role in this process. Efforts to build a new order in Syria after the fall of the Baath regime continue. However, this process must recognize the will of women, a fair and equal representation of women must be ensured. Because women make up more than half of Syrian society. Only with equal participation of women and all the different religious, cultural and ethnic groups in Syria, we can build a democratic, just and secure country that we are longing for. During these 13 years, women in North and East Syria have struggled and organized themselves in all areas of life and achieved important gains. They have gained important expertise in politics, economy, self-defense, justice and many other fields. It is time that all Syrian women can benefit from the achievements of the women in this region. These achievements have been gained with great sacrifices and great costs, so it is crucial to defend them. One of the most important conditions in the legitimation at the regional and international level of the new system that will be established in Syria, is that the role of women in establishing and administering the new system in Syria, is guaranteed. The fall of the Assad regime was a positive development. However, unfortunately the crimes against women in Idlib, Afrin, Jarablus, al-Bab, Serekani and Gire Spi - like killing, abduction and deprivation of basic rights - continue. In these places, and now as well in Manbij, Turkish-backed armed groups continue to commit crimes and continue their occupation. Today, as we celebrate the fall of the Ba'ath regime, we also witness an alarming increase in violence against women and religious and ethnic minorities-particularly Christians, Alawites, and Druze-in coastal and southern regions. Furthermore, attacks on North and East Syria and heinous crimes, such as the brutal killings and beheading of women, as occurred in Tal Rifaat, by armed factions supported by Turkey, continue. Therefore, in order to prevent these violations and to end the fear and danger our peoples are facing, we call on all political forces in Syria to work toward achieving the following objectives:
Syrian people must determine the future of Syria.
The fulfillment of the requirements of international norms and peace agreements; an end to war and conflicts in our region; therefore, a closure of Syrian airspace to military activities; the cessation of all attacks on Syrian territory, and the withdrawal of all occupying armies.
·The immediate release of all women still held captive in the prisons of armed groups in Idlib, Afrin, Jarabulus, al-Bab, Gire Spi (Tal Abyad) and Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain).
·The establishment of a committee with the active participation of women to ensure the safe return of displaced Syrian refugees and an end to the occupation of Syrian territory.
·The ensuring of fair representation of women and women's organizations from all parts of Syria in the construction of a democratic Syria and in the new Constitutional Committee.
·The implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325; the taking of measures to guarantee women’s participation in peace processes; measures to prevent conflict and measures to prevent violence against women during and after conflicts; the effective participation of women in the decision-making, implementation and accountability processes in taking these measures.
·The establishment of a truth and justice commission to investigate and prosecute all war crimes and crimes against women and human rights.
·Ensuring women's equal and free participation in all decision-making mechanisms and in the fields of politics, education, science and economy.
·Legal recognition of women's right to self-defense.
·Full implementation and guarantee of the human rights proclaimed in international conventions such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). A guarantee of women's fundamental rights and social rights.
·The establishment of a committee to work for the inclusion of women's will in public and political institutions based on the principle of equal representation.
·The establishment of justice committees for children who have suffered psychological and physical harm due to war and violence.
·The establishment of an environmental committee to investigate environmental destruction, environmental crimes and to prosecute the perpetrators among other necessary measures to be taken.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/syrian-women-s-council-publishes-declaration-36208


Rete Jin
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December 23, 2024 - by HELIN XWEBUN
<<Maria Ross: We will defend the women's revolution to the end
"Kobane has inspired the whole world. We will defend the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria to the end", Maria Ross, a member of Rete Jin, said in a video message to NuJINHA.
Italy- The attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions on northeastern Syria have intensified since November. The attacks targeting the revolution led by women have kept sparking outages in many countries. Maria Rossi, a member of Rete Jin, an Italian network of women in support of the Kurdish women’s movement founded in 2018, has sent a video message to NuJINHA, expressing her solidarity with the women of Rojava.
In the video message, she recalls the resistance of Kobane and emphasizes her confidence in women's struggle for freedom.
'We will defend the Autonomous Administration'
Kobane has become a symbol of resistance against ISIS, she says. "In these days when changes have been taking place across Syria, Kobane is once again under attack by the Turkish state. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria defended us and now we are the ones to defend them.
'Kobane has inspired the whole world'
Kobane is not only a symbol of women's freedom but also a symbol of the struggle of people from different nationalities, religions ethnic groups for coexistence and equality in a territory tormented by war for years, Maria Rossi emphasizes, saying: "Kobane has inspired the whole world. Our support to this resistance is extremely important."
'Long live the resistance of Kobane'
Maria Rossi concluded her speech by stating that women resistance fighters and their struggle need international support: "Now is a very important time. We will defend the women's revolution to the end. Long live Kobane, long live the resistance of Kobane, long live Rojava and Jin, Jiyan, Azadi." >>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/maria-ross-we-will-defend-the-women-s-revolution-to-the-end-36207?page=1

France24 - December 23, 2024 - Video by: Andrew HILLIAR
<<'Tolerance' or 'vengeance': Future of Syria hangs in the balance
The future of Syria is hanging in the balance following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime nearly two weeks ago. Back in Paris after reporting from northern Syria, FRANCE 24's Andrew Hilliar recounts his encounters with Syrians who are calling for vengeance on former supporters of the Assad regime and minority communities who are calling for protection and stability from the country's new rulers.>>
Video: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20241221-is-it-a-dream-or-is-it-really-happening-france-24-team-returns-from-northern-syria


Displaced women in Idlib burn
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December 23, 2024 - by HADEEL AL-OMAR
<<Displaced women in Idlib burn waste to stay warm
Displaced women living in Idlib struggle to survive in the midst of an endless war, burning waste to stay warm. "We know that burning waste is unhealthy but have no other choice."
Idlib- Displaced women living in IDPs camps in the northern Syrian province of Idlib struggle to survive in freezing temperatures and poverty. They burn animal dung and waste to stay warm and say humanitarian aid organizations do not provide the necessary support to displaced people. Alia Malhan, 31, is a mother of four struggling to survive in one of the IDPs camps. She collected waste wood and stacked them next to her tent. "I should buy firewood to stay warm; however, we do not have money to buy firewood. I have already collected some waste wood but it is insufficient. In summer, I dried animal dung to burn in winter. However, our tent smells bad whenever we burn dung to stay warm. We endure these difficult conditions because we have no other choice. I dream of having a small and warm house."
Many people get sick
Three children of Baraa Al-Haram, 28, got sick due to the waste she burned to keep them warm. "Many people suffer from asthma because we have to use waste to stay warm. Many people have been hospitalized due to asthma attacks. We know that burning waste is unhealthy but have no other choice. We do not have money to buy firewood."
She uses whatever she finds to stay warm
Baraa Al-Harami, who lives in a crowded camp, has to walk hours to find firewood. "Although I walk for hours, I cannot find enough firewood. Therefore, I have to collect household items and plastic to burn. We burn plastic, old fabrics, shoes and anything else we find. We suffer from poverty, the lack of aid and free treatment."
'I try to survive'
We saw Najia Al-Tarraf, 60, sitting in front of her worn-out tent. She told us the challenges faced by her with the following words: "I never thought I would collect and burn plastic and old clothes to stay warm. I have pain in my hands and back. If I do not collect them to stay warm, who will collect them for me? Half of my children were killed in the war. Sometimes, I receive aid from people and exchange them for firewood. I try to survive in freezing temperatures. Our elderly neighbor died from the cold last winter and it scares me a lot. I suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure.If necessary, I will burn everything in the tent to survive." >>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/displaced-women-in-idlib-burn-waste-to-stay-warm-36206?page=1

Jinha - Womens News Agency - December 23, 2024 - by DILPAK DAG
<<Natasha Asfari: Women must fight to exist everywhere
Natasha Asfari, university lecturer at University of Aleppo, thinks all women in Syria should play an active role in society. "They must fight to exist everywhere."
Aleppo- Since the fall of the Assad's regime, women have held demonstrations in Syria, celebrating the fall of the regime, protesting the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) for erasing women from public life. "Women are still hopeful while the practices of HTS and its armed groups against women are unacceptable," said Natasha Asfari, university lecturer at University of Aleppo.
Call on women to participate in protests
Natasha Asfari called on all women in Syria to participate in protests, reminding the role of women in society. "Not only women but also all dynamics in society must fight for rights."
'Everything remains incomplete without women'
Women constitute half of the world population, she emphasized. "However, they do not get what they deserve and they are prevented from playing their roles. There are two genders that make up the society: men and women. This means women constitute half of the world population. These two genders complement each other. Everything remains incomplete without women. Women should participate in all facets of life, including education, politics, public life, and economics."
'Women symbolize society as a whole'
Natasha Asfari thinks that women should play an important role in society because "Women demand justice, equality and rights. However, they are underrepresented in virtually all facets of public life although they symbolize society as a whole." >>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/natash-asfari-women-must-fight-to-exist-everywhere-36205


Medyanews - December 23, 2024 - by Frederike Geerdink
<<It's journalists like Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin who will bring about change
We must remember Nazım and Cihan not only because they were brave journalists and brutally murdered, but also because their work really, truly mattered. They were part of a revolutionary movement that will eventually bring change. They are the people we must put our confidence in.
Turkey killed two Kurdish journalists in Syria, I'm sure you've heard. Nazım Daştan and Cîhan Bilgin were on the way back from reporting on clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey's mercenaries of the Syrian National Army (SNA) west of Kobani (Kobane) when their car was hit by a drone. It is repulsive, criminal, shameless, unacceptable - and yet, Turkey will have done it with impunity. We must remember Nazım and Cihan not only because they were brave journalists and brutally murdered, but also because their work really, truly mattered. They were part of a revolutionary movement that will eventually bring change. They are the people we must put our confidence in. Not in politicians, as I have seen quite a few people do this week. It's one thing to report on assorted politicians who speak out about Turkey's role in Syria since Assad has fled the country, it is another to cheer them on for it. Take for example German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who was visiting Turkey this week and met with her counterpart Hakan Fidan. She reportedly issued a stern warning to the Turkish government to halt its military aggression against the Kurds in northern Syria. Earlier this week, she said that the city of Kobani is the symbol of Kurdish resistance.
Absurd
You won't hear me say that it's bad that she said this, of course not, but what bothers me is that many people seem to have some sort of trust in her now. Her quotes were all over social media, shared with a triumphant "Yes Annalena, you tell them!" That's rather absurd, if you ask me. The German government is delivering the weapons with which Turkey is fighting the Kurds in Bakur, Başur and Rojava (Kurdistan in Turkey, Iraq and Syria, respectively), and that is not going to change. Last week, a friend in Amed (Diyarbakır) called me. He was happy because of a motion that the Dutch parliament had adopted. I had to look it up because I was on a rare vacation, but he was right: The parliament had by an overwhelming majority accepted a motion to call on the government to urge Turkey to immediately end the attacks on Kurds in Syria. The motion was filed by the Labour Party's Kati Piri, who has for many years in different roles, including in the European Parliament, been an advocate for Kurdish rights, and she should be firmly applauded. But the Dutch governing parties – which of them supported the motion? The party of the Dutch fascist-in-chief, Geert Wilders, surely just supported it because he hates [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan and is an Islam-hater, just like the other parties in the government. It is, as you possibly know, a government of the extreme right. They supported the motion not out of humanity, but out of hate.
Futures
My cynicism, or let's call it realism, is exacerbated by the fact that both Germany and the Netherlands froze asylum processing for Syrian citizens very quickly after Assad's regime fell. This is inhumane. People are waiting to build up their lives in Europe and it’s way too early to suggest that maybe soon they could return home - if they have a home to return to. Do people who made it to Europe via very dangerous routes to begin with have to wait for still more months before they can have any certainty about their futures and re-unite with their families? Both these governments, and others in Europe, are on very dangerous paths with their anti-asylum-seekers and anti-Islamic retoric and actions. Another example is that of the bipartisan initiative of two US senators who might possibly sanction Turkey over violence against Kurds in Syria. Democrat Chris Van Hollen and Republican Lindsey Graham put the proposal together. They named it the Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2024. Turkish attacks would, Van Hollen said, undermine regional security and efforts to prevent an ISIS resurgence. US politicians worrying about undermining regional security in the Middle-East? The absurdity of them saying this, after decades and decades of the US itself undermining security, is just mind-blowing.
Sincerity
And it gets even more absurd. These countries - the US, Germany, and the Netherlands - are also among the fiercest supporters of Israel's genocide in Gaza. Let me make that explicit: They don't care even the slightest bit about lives in the Middle East, let alone those of Muslims. And that includes Kurds, I'm sorry to say. What we need, is sincerity. Which brings me back to the two Kurdish journalists who were killed by Turkey this week. Nazım Daştan and Cîhan Bilgin. They offered hope. I stumbled upon a short speech that Nazım Daştan gave after he left prison in Turkey, where he had been jailed for a few months in 2016. He said: "We will continue to make our news in the field by embracing the line and tradition we follow today. We will devote our pens still more to the people, we will include more of the people's struggle in framing our work."
Humanity
This is the tradition of the Kurdish press, this is what he and Cihan Bilgin dedicated themselves to. They did this as part of the wider revolutionary Kurdish struggle for freedom. This is the sincerity we need, even desperately need. These are the people who will bring change, who push the calculating politicians to finally catch up with the demands of humanity. It’s these people we have to put our trust in and whom we have to support, not any of the politicians. For Kurds, for Syrians, for Palestinians, for everybody.
Thank you, dear colleagues. You truly contributed. Rest in power.
Frederike Geerdink is an independent journalist.
Source: https://medyanews.net/its-journalists-like-nazim-bastan-and-cihan-bilgin-who-will-bring-about-change/

Medyanews - December 22, 2024
<<Turkish Foreign Minister targets Kurdish-led SDF, signals possible military action
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan directly targeted the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in an interview with France24 on Friday, saying they were a security threat, and warning that Syria must dismantle the group or face Turkish intervention, potentially involving HTS.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan explicitly targeted the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in an interview with France24 on Friday, accusing them of threatening the security and sovereignty of Turkey. Fidan suggested that if Syria’s new government does not dismantle the SDF, Ankara will act decisively to address the issue. Speaking to France 24, Fidan described the SDF as a 'terrorist organisation' linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and called for its immediate dissolution. "This terrorist structure must be eliminated without hesitation," Fidan said. "The new administration in Syria must take this matter seriously to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty." He issued a stark warning that Turkey would take unilateral action if the Syrian administration failed to neutralise the SDF. "Turkey will not hesitate to protect its national security by any means necessary," Fidan said, hinting at possible military intervention. Fidan also acknowledged Turkey's collaboration with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly linked to al-Qaeda, sparking controversy about Turkey’s regional strategy. "HTS has provided intelligence support in counter-terrorism operations," Fidan said. "While we recognise its complex history, the group's cooperation has been valuable in targeting ISIS." Fidan further suggested that HTS might play a role in dismantling the SDF if the Syrian administration fails to act. "If the Syrian government cannot handle this matter, HTS or others may need to take responsibility. Turkey is ready to step in if needed," he warned. The comments raised concerns about Ankara's openness to regional actors taking drastic measures against Kurdish forces. Fidan confirmed plans to visit Damascus for talks with Syria's new government, describing it as a pivotal step towards stabilising the region. "I will visit Damascus soon to meet with the new leadership," Fidan said, without providing specific dates. He also criticised the US military presence in Syria, accusing Washington of prolonging instability on a pretext of combating ISIS. "The US is using counterterrorism as a cover to exert influence," he argued. "They are merely using one group of terrorists to guard another." Fidan highlighted Turkey’s desire for cooperation with the US but insisted on a shared approach to dismantling the SDF and securing ethnic communities. "Turkey and the US must align to eliminate threats posed by the PKK / People's Defence Units [YPG] and ensure stability for Kurds, Arabs and Turkmens," he stated. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's opposition to foreign military bases in Syria, including Russian bases, saying it was a matter for Syrians to decide. As tensions rise, Fidan's remarks highlight Ankara's readiness to confront the SDF and the possibility that it will use regional partners like HTS to do so if diplomatic efforts falter.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/turkish-foreign-minister-targets-kurdish-led-sdf-signals-possible-military-action/

Medyanews - December 22, 2024
<<Turkish police detain journalists protesting press killings in Syria
Turkish police detained 59 people, including 20 journalists, during a protest in İstanbul condemning the killings of Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin in Syria. Fourteen remain in custody, referred to prosecutors after processing by police. Turkish police detained 59 people, including 20 journalists, at a protest in İstanbul's Şişhane Square on Saturday against the drone strike killings of journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin in northern Syria.
The demonstration was organised by the Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions of Turkey (DISK), Basın-Iş, Mezopotamya Women Journalists Association and Dicle Fırat Journalists Association, to denounce attacks on press freedom and to demand accountability. Police blocked the gathering, citing a ban imposed by the Beyoğlu District Governorate, and arrested the protestors after checking their identities. The authorities later released 45 detainees but referred 14, including nine journalists, to prosecutors. The journalists are: Pınar Gayıp of the Etkin News Agency (Etha), Yadigar Aygun of Gazete Patika, Serpil Unal of Mucadele Birligi, Hayri Tunç, Gulistan Dursun, Zeynep Kuray, Mahsum Saglam, Enes Sezgin and Osman Akın. It is expected that they will be interviewed by prosecutors on Saturday. Press organisations condemned the detentions, calling them attacks on the freedom of expression. Rights groups urged the immediate release of the detainees and an investigation into Daştan and Bilgin's deaths>>
Video: https://medyanews.net/turkish-police-detain-journalists-protesting-press-killings-in-syria/


İstanbul Bar
Medyanews - December 22, 2024
<<İstanbul Bar condemns Turkish killing of journalists in Syria attack
İstanbul Bar Association condemned Turkey's killing of journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin in a drone strike in Syria, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. The assocation demanded an immediate investigation and the release of those still in custody. The İstanbul Bar Association has denounced the killing of journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, who died in a drone attack in northern Syria on 19 December, calling the incident a breach of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. The association urged the authorities to launch an immediate investigation and hold those responsible to account. "According to reports, journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin lost their lives while covering developments in Syria. Targeting journalists in conflict zones violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions," the association said in a statement. The association further noted that targeting civilians not involved in the conflict constitutes a war crime under Article 8/2/b/ii of the Rome Statute. "The rules protecting journalists in armed conflict are embedded within international humanitarian law," it added.
During a protest held in İstanbul's Şişhane Square in memory of the slain journalists, dozens of people, including four lawyers from the bar association and two law students, were arrested. The association condemned the detentions as "unacceptable", saying, "Instead of launching investigations into violations of international law, the authorities have detained citizens exercising their constitutional rights and mourning their colleagues." The association called for a thorough investigation into the killings and demanded the immediate release of those arrested from the protest. It affirmed the determination of the association to closely monitor the developments following the arrests.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/istanbul-bar-condemns-turkish-killing-of-journalists-in-syria-attack/


Medyanews - December 21, 2024
<<Protests erupt across Kurdistan, Europe over Turkish assault on journalists
In protest of the killing of two Kurdish journalists, Cîhan Bilgin and Nazim Daştan, near the Tishreen Dam in northeast Syria on 19 December, a wave of protests spread from Kurdistan to Europe, demanding condemnation of the Turkish government's actions in killing both civilians and journalists.
Following the drone strike by Turkey on 19 December near the Tishreen Dam in northeast Syria (Rojava) which claimed the lives of two Kurdish journalists, Cîhan Bilgin and Nazim Daştan, a wave of protests has erupted, spanning from Kurdistan to Europe, denouncing Turkey's actions. In this regard, Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, a member of the political office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the first lady of Iraq, issued a statement expressing her profound regret over the murder of Bilgin and Daştan. "Unfortunately, the Turkish state's efforts to occupy Rojava extend beyond the assassination of civilians; through its mercenaries, it seeks to silence journalists." In another part of her message, Ahmad emphasised that the killing of journalists by Turkey is not a new phenomenon, highlighting Turkey's long-standing and dark history of journalist killings. While offering her condolences to the families of the victims, she urged the international community to not remain passive in the face of Turkey's actions, calling for a halt to the brutalities and fascist mentality of the Turkish state. She further called for the establishment of a committee to investigate these murders. In a separate response to the murder of these two Kurdish journalists, members of "The Democratic Media Union of Kurdistan (YRD)" issued a statement from the Makhmur refugee camp, Rostam Jodi. The statement, delivered by Brivan Tunj, extended condolences to the families of the victims and asserted: "At a time when Rojava is under attack by the Turkish government and its mercenary allies, our journalist colleagues, simply for documenting the truth, are under siege. Yet, as members of 'YRD', we will not abandon our ‘pens and cameras’ in our mission to report the facts." In a solidarity action, women journalists in Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhilat) also condemned the murders on social media, despite the ongoing security risks in Iran. JINHA Agency interviewed several women journalists from the region who expressed their outrage. In addition, they shared videos to demonstrate their solidarity with the Kurdish women's struggle in northeast Syria, while mourning the deaths of Bilgin and Daştan. On 20 December, protest rallies were organised in several European cities to condemn the killing of journalists in northeast Syria. Kurds and their supporters in Paris, Cologne, Winterthur, Lausanne, and Nicosia gathered to denounce the Turkish army’s assault on journalists, demanding an international investigation into the killings.

Over the past four months, four Kurdish journalists have been killed by Turkish state drones in Iraqi Kurdistan and northeast Syria. Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin were killed in September 2024, alongside Bilgin and Daştan this week.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/protests-erupt-across-kurdistan-europe-over-turkish-assault-on-journalists/

Medyanews - December 21, 2024
German Left Party urges Turkey to stop attacks on Kurds
German MP Gregor Gysi of the Left Party has called on the German government to take a firm stance against Turkey's violations of international law and its attacks on Kurds in Syria and Iraq.Gregor Gysi, a leading member of Germany’s Die Linke party, has called on the German government to demand an immediate end to Turkey's military actions against the Kurdish population in Iraq and Syria. Gysi also called for an immediate halt to arms exports to Turkey, citing violations of international law. The MP criticised previous governments under Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz for remaining largely silent on Turkey’s actions. He argued that this silence stemmed from a desire to protect the refugee deal with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Germany must finally abandon this almost submissive attitude towards Erdogan," Gysi said. Gysi highlighted the crucial role of the Kurds in the fight against ISIS, stressing that their contributions must not be ignored. He also urged the government to confront Turkey's repression of Kurds in Germany, which he said was happening under Ankara's indirect influence.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/german-left-party-urges-turkey-to-stop-attacks-on-kurds/

Medyanews - December 21, 2024
Supporting Syrian Kurdish partners crucial for stability in Syria, US senators say
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham have vowed to pursue sanctions against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan if Ankara-backed Syrian militias refuse to implement a ceasefire with US-allied Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria. Van Hollen underscored that a united, inclusive, and stable Syria hinges on steadfast support for US-Syrian Kurdish partners. Two US senators introduced bipartisan legislation on Friday 20 December, aiming to impose sanctions on Turkey over its military actions and the activities of Ankara-backed groups in northern Syria. As reported by Reuters, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham introduced the "Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2024." They expressed hope that the threat of sanctions would encourage the parties to agree to a ceasefire. However, they emphasised the importance of Washington engaging diplomatically with Turkey to establish a sustained ceasefire and a demilitarised zone along the Turkey-Syria border. In this context, Senator Chris Van Hollen, highlighting Turkey's actions as a threat to regional security, wrote on his X account:
"Attacks by Turkish-backed forces on our Syrian Kurdish partners undermine regional security & efforts to prevent an ISIS resurgence. Today Sen Graham & I introduced a bill to impose sanctions on Turkey-which we should enact if they do not accept a ceasefire & demilitarized zone."
In a second post, he said:
"We seek a united, inclusive, stable Syria for all Syrians - and supporting our Syrian Kurdish partners is essential to accomplishing that goal."
Responding to Turkey's destabilising actions in Syria, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on 17 December that the US is engaging with both the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey to find a path forward. He stressed the need to extend the ceasefire, cautioning against any party exploiting Syria's instability for narrow gains at the expense of national unity. Last week, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) ended a truce with the Kurdish-led SDF, prompting Van Hollen and Graham to issue a joint statement. They emphasised the 2019 ceasefire's pivotal role in saving lives, stabilising the region, and bolstering the fight against terrorism. Condemning Turkey's renewed aggression, the senators warned that such actions jeopardise regional peace and undermine US strategic efforts.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/supporting-syrian-kurdish-partners-crucial-for-stability-in-syria-us-senators-say/

Medyanews - December 21, 2024
<<Colombian President Petro condemns killing of Kurdish journalists in Syria, calls for protection of Kurds
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, has condemned the killing of Kurdish journalists by Turkish drone strikes, criticising international interference in Syria and calling for the protection of the Kurdish people for their sacrifices against ISIS and their defence of democracy. Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, has issued a powerful statement condemning the recent Turkish drone strikes that killed Kurdish journalists Cîhan Bilgin and Nazım Daştan near Kobani (Kobane) in northern Syria. Highlighting the role of Kurdish fighters in defeating ISIS, Petro called on global powers to end their interference in Syria and protect Kurdish people against ongoing genocidal policies. Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla fighter and leader of Colombia Humana, also known as the Progressive Movement, was elected President of Colombia in June 2022. "In present-day Syria, a free Kurdish journalist has been killed. I call on the leaders of Russia, Iran, Turkey, Israel, and the United States to stop dividing Syria. This division is heading towards a new genocide—the genocide of the Kurdish people," Petro wrote in a social media post.
Condemning genocide and protecting diversity
The Colombian President linked the plight of the Kurds to other historical atrocities, such as the genocide of the Palestinian people, and emphasised the importance of preserving Syria's national unity. "Syria must remain a republic based on its national and ethnic diversity and the deep autonomy of its communities. The Syrian people deserve free elections to determine their future, as is demanded for other nations around the world," he said.
Colombia to resume peace talks with ELN
Petro reiterated his support for the Kurds, acknowledging their pivotal role in defeating ISIS and advocating for their protection:
"The Kurdish people, with their armed women fighters and democratic principles, were able to stop the fascist fundamentalism of ISIS. The world owes them a debt of gratitude. I urge governments and peoples worldwide to care for and support the Kurdish people in Syria." Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla fighter and leader of Colombia Humana, also known as the Progressive Movement, was elected President of Colombia in June 2022. Since taking office, he has worked to address the damages inflicted by previous right-wing governments on Colombia's indigenous communities and revolutionary movements. Petro has also emerged as a prominent global voice on crimes against humanity. He was one of the first world leaders to recognise Israel’s attacks on Gaza as genocide, calling for international legal sanctions against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet.
A global call to action
Petro's remarks came after he reposted a statement from Women in Journalism, a global watchdog for women reporters, condemning the deaths of Kurdish journalists. Bilgin and Daştan were killed while reporting on Turkish attacks on the Tishreen Dam, near Kobani. The statement called for an independent investigation into the targeting of journalists, labelling the attacks as potential war crimes. Cihan Bilgin and Nazım Daştan were killed by Turkish drone attacks while reporting on Turkish attacks on the Tishreen Dam, near Kobani on 19 December. Women in Journalism highlighted the systemic targeting of Kurdish journalists by Turkey, saying, "This tragedy comes amid escalating Turkish attacks in northern and eastern Syria. Purposefully targeting the press in conflict zones constitutes a war crime. Türkiye must be held accountable for the growing number of Kurdish journalists killed and injured by its drone strikes." Petro's condemnation joins a growing global chorus demanding support for the Kurds in Syria's chaotic landscape, and asking for accountability for the targeted killing of Kurdish journalists.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/colombian-president-petro-condemns-killing-of-kurdish-journalists-in-syria-calls-for-protection-of-kurds/


Baerbock
Medyanews - December 21, 2024
<<German FM Baerbock urges Turkey to end Kurdish conflict, calls for inclusive peace in Syria
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned Turkey against escalating conflict with the Kurds in Syria during her visit to counterpart Hakan Fidan, emphasising the importance of an inclusive peace process to ensure regional stability and protect the legacy of the Kurdish fight against ISIS. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has issued a stern warning to Turkey during her visit to Ankara, urging the government to halt its military aggression against the Kurds in northern Syria. Baerbock highlighted the critical role of Kurdish communities in shaping Syria's future and warned that further conflict would have devastating consequences for the region and Europe. Baerbock met with her Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, for a closed-door discussion. Baerbock later spoke to the press, saying, "Syria's future is still hanging by a thread. The security of the Kurds is critical for the stability of the entire region. A renewed conflict between Turkey and the Kurds would exacerbate the fragile situation and endanger not only Syria but also Europe."
A symbol of resistance
Baerbock emphasised the symbolic and strategic importance of Kobani (Kobane), a Kurdish city that became a global symbol of resistance against ISIS. "Kobani is not just significant for the Kurds but for the entire world as a beacon of resistance against ISIS terror. Together with the international anti-ISIS Coalition, the Kurds defended Syria and Europe from the rise of fascist fundamentalism." She acknowledged Turkey's legitimate security concerns but stressed that military aggression in northeast Syria must not be part of the solution: "While Turkey's concerns about terrorism are legitimate, there should be no threat to Turkey from northeast Syria. Security measures must prioritise the territorial integrity of Syria and disarmament of armed militias within a framework of future national security structures."
Inclusive peace for Syria
Baerbock underscored the necessity of an inclusive political process to ensure a lasting peace in Syria, calling for all minorities, including the Kurds, to have a role in shaping the country's future: "Syria's future lies in dialogue that includes all communities. An inclusive republic that respects national and ethnic diversity is the path forward. The Kurdish people have earned their place in this future through their sacrifices and contributions to global security." She also posted several messages on her personal X account expressing deep concerns about Turkey's aggression in northeast Syria, particularly towards Kobani earlier this week. In a press briefing, she reiterated these concerns, warning that continued conflict undermines not just Syria but the broader international fight against terrorism.
The need for international unity
The German minister called on the international community to prioritise collective action to stabilise Syria, prevent the resurgence of ISIS, and safeguard the gains achieved through the Kurds' sacrifices. Baerbock's visit reflects Germany’s continued efforts to mediate tensions in the region and advocate for a peaceful resolution. As Syria's fragile political landscape faces renewed threats, her warning serves as a critical call for inclusive peace and international accountability.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/german-fm-baerbock-urges-turkey-to-end-kurdish-conflict-calls-for-inclusive-peace-in-syria/

France24 - December 20, 2024 - By: Leela JACINTO
<<Fallout of Assad’s ouster in Syria ripples down the Mediterranean to Libya
The loss of its military power in Syria has led Russia to turn its sights on Libya. Could the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria see the strengthening of his Libyan counterpart, Khalifa Haftar? The reports began trickling in barely 24 hours after Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad was ousted. "Several Assad regime officials arrive in Libya's Benghazi," read a headline on a local Libyan news site on Monday, December 9 - the morning after rebels arrived in Damascus to find the Syrian president had fled. While Assad was taken to Moscow, Libyan news reports said "a number of Syrian officials" loyal to Assad had landed in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi. No details of the fleeing officials were provided, although officials at Benghazi's Benina airbase and global flight tracking sites confirmed the plane landing. By the end of the week, air traffic between Syria and Libya had increased. Russia was withdrawing significant amounts of military assets from Syria, primarily from its Khmeimim airbase in Latakia, and transporting them to Libya, according to several news reports. With Assad's sudden fall, Russia was scrambling to manage its considerable military facilities and personnel in Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted that Moscow was in touch with rebels in Damascus. Fighters from Syria's rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) were posted on the outside perimeter of Russian military facilities, journalists in Syria reported. Outsiders were not allowed into the high security zones. More than a week after Assad's ouster, in a critical development, the Syria-Libya traffic had expanded to the sea. Russia had begun moving naval assets on the Mediterranean from the Syrian port city of Tartus to Libya, according to US news reports. An unnamed US defence official told CNN this week that "Moscow has increased pressure on Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar to secure Russia's claim to a port in Benghazi".
The Libyan port warning had a whiff of deja vu.
Moscow's attempts to secure naval access to eastern Libya, an area controlled by strongman Haftar, have been alarming officials in Western capitals over the past few years. Destabilised and divided during more than a decade of conflict, Libya has been an ideal entry point into Africa for Russia.
But Western concerns over Russia’s growing influence in Libya and the neighbouring Sahel region have not translated into any thwarting action on the ground. And so the warnings, by unnamed US officials, of Russia's naval ambitions in Libya continue to make periodic headlines in US newspapers.
The sudden collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has notched up the geostrategic scramble, sending ripples thousands of miles across the Mediterranean Sea, a vital maritime zone connecting the Middle East, Europe and Africa.>>
All about that naval base:>> Read more here: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241220-fallout-assad-ouster-syria-ripples-down-mediterranean-libya

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