The 24th General Assembly of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) was held in the city of Venlo, Netherlands, on 6-7 June. The meeting saw broad participation from all parts of Kurdistan and the diaspora. One of the most important items on the agenda of the meeting was the work toward convening the Kurdish National Conference.

 

Zübeyir Aydar, a member of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) Executive Council and a member of the KNK, who attended the meeting, shared his assessments. In a statement to Firat News Agency (ANF), Aydar emphasized that they aim to convene the Kurdish National Conference within this year.

 

'EM NEBIN YEK, EM Ê BIÇIN YEK BI YEK'

 

Emphasizing that in the face of the great turmoil being experienced in the Middle East, it is a historical necessity for the Kurdish world of ideas, academia, politicians and all party leaders to stand together, Aydar stated that a fragmented stance cannot be accepted. Recalling that the KNK was established precisely for this purpose, Aydar called for national unity. Aydar said: "All Kurdish actors are obliged to come together, agree on common interests, and create a common strategy. We cannot remain separated during periods of change. Our hope and goal is to convene the National Conference this year and determine a common strategy. If we do not unite, as the Kurdish proverb says, ‘Em nebin yek, em ê biçin yek bi yek’—‘If we are not one, we will disappear one by one.’ At a time when our fate is being debated, if we unite, speak with one voice, and develop a common strategy—if we establish a common language with our friends and give our adversaries the response they deserve through politics—we will succeed. Only in this way can we emerge from this process while preserving our gains. As a people, we possess enormous potential and resources, both quantitatively and qualitatively. If we bring our politicians together and use this opportunity correctly, we will achieve great success."

 

APPLICATION TO THE UN FOR REPRESENTATION AND STATUS

 

Noting that plans were also made at the General Assembly regarding the anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, Aydar drew attention to the historic decision they took in response to the crisis of representation in the world. Aydar said: "Today, the Kurds are a large people recognized worldwide, numbering around 60 million. Yet unfortunately, we have no official representation in the institutions governing the world. To address this major national deficiency, our General Assembly made a very important decision. An official application will be made to the United Nations regarding the international status and representation of the Kurdish people. The KNK will lead this diplomatic initiative and oversee representation throughout the entire process. In addition, serious discussions were held—particularly regarding language and mother-tongue education—and important conclusions were reached."

 

Stating that they will devote all their energy and focus this year to the success of the National Conference, Zübeyir Aydar said they hope to bring together all Kurdish leaders, party representatives and institutions at a single table, and to achieve absolute unity of voice and politics regarding the future of the Kurds.