In light of the ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters, four Kurdish‑origin members of the German Bundestag issued an open statement addressed to the international community and the federal government.
The letter calls for clear political pressure to stop the attacks, protect civilians, and prevent further destabilisation. It was signed by Kassem Taher Saleh (The Greens), Gökay Akbulut and Cansu Özdemir (The Left), and Serdar Yüksel (SPD). The “Spiegel” reported on the document.
The MPs express deep concern over the escalating violence in the Kurdish‑controlled regions of north and east Syria. Despite an agreed cease‑fire, troops of the Syrian transitional authority are reportedly advancing on Kurdish‑managed areas. They warn that cities such as Kobani could be encircled, that reports of severe human‑rights violations are reaching them, and that the attacks endanger civilians and drive thousands back into flight.
The statement also cautions against a resurgence of the Islamic State. Such a development would worsen the already fragile security situation, “not only in Syria but also for international security”. The MPs note that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which in northern and eastern Syria maintain a pluralistic, democratic, and secular self‑governance, have fought IS for years. The disintegration of the SDF would jeopardise these gains.
All four MPs belong to the Bundestag parliamentary group “Kurdish Life in Germany”. The group aims to make Kurdish life in Germany visible and to represent the concerns of people with Kurdish heritage, and it also includes members who do not have Kurdish ancestry.