Kurdish‑German members of the Bundestag have issued a statement addressed to the international community and the German government, calling for clear political pressure to halt the ongoing attacks, protect civilians, and prevent further destabilisation. The paper, signed by Kassem Taher Saleh (Greens), Gökay Akbulut (Greens), Cansu Özdemir (The Left), and Serdar Yüksel (SPD), was reported by “Der Spiegel”.
The MPs warn that they are “deeply concerned about the escalating violence” in the Kurdish regions of north‑and east Syria. Despite an agreed cease‑fire, troops of Syria’s transitional government are moving militarily into areas administered by Kurds. Cities such as Kobani face the threat of being surrounded, and reports of severe human‑rights abuses are emerging. The attacks threaten civilian lives and are pushing thousands of people to flee once again.
In addition, the lawmakers caution that an emboldening of the “Islamic State” would dramatically worsen the already fragile security situation, not only in Syria but also in terms of international security. They point out that the Syrian Democratic Forces, which “in north‑and east Syria govern in a pluralistic, democratic, and secular manner” have been instrumental over the years in fighting IS; dismantling the SDF would jeopardise those achievements.
These four parliamentarians belong to the “Kurdisches Leben in Deutschland” parliamentary group. According to the group’s own description, its purpose is to make Kurdish life in Germany visible and to represent the interests of people with Kurdish background. The group also includes members who do not have Kurdish roots.
