Foreign relations of Rojava

The flag of Rojava.

Foreign relations of Rojava refer to external ties and communications of the Rojava self-proclaimed autonomous region in Syria. The region, consisting of three cantons (Afrin, Kobani and Jazira), formally follows a political system known as democratic confederalism and was formed in early 2014. These events have been dubbed by some as the Rojava Revolution. It is currently embroiled in the Syrian Civil War, a conflict that has caused the involvement of many different countries and international organizations in the area.

The Constitution of Rojava, which defines Rojava as an integral part of Syria and not a separate country, states that "the Autonomous Regions shall not interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries, and it shall safeguard its relations with neighboring states, resolving any conflicts peacefully." It also mandates, among other executive council bodies, a Body of Foreign Relations.^[1]

Foreign governments

• Finland - According to a magazine Suomen Kuvalehti, Finland is planning on giving Rojava some support for developing government and rebuilding infrastructure.^[2]

• France - In February 2015, President Francois Hollande met with the PYD co-leader Asya Abdullah and the YPJ commander Nesrin Abdullah in the Elysee Palace.^[3] Rojava also plans to open an office in Paris.^[4]

• Czech Republic - The PYD, YPG, and the YPJ announced that they will open a representative office in Prague in April 2016.^[5]

• Denmark - The PYD claims to be politically supported by the Danish government and will open a representative office in Copenhagen. Denmark in the past has allowed PKK TV channels to broadcast in the country.^[4]

• Germany - Rojavan officials are planning to open an office in Berlin.^[4]

• Iraqi Kurdistan – Rojava shares much culturally with Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region of Iraq, but has many political difference. There has been a military cooperation with Iraqi Kurdistan and the USA, although there is no official support for Rojava or the YPG.

• Syria - In March 2015, Syrian Information Minister Omran Zoghbi announced that his government considered recognizing the Kurdish autonomy "within the law and constitution."^[6] The Syrian government later dismissed the legality of the federal system in March 2016.^[7]

• Russia - In February 2016, the Rojava administration opened a representation office in Moscow amid growing ties between Russia and Syrian Kurdistan.^[8]

• Sweden - In April 2016, the Rojava administration opened a representation office in Stockholm, Sweden.^[9]

• Turkey – A definite enemy of Rojava, Turkey has made repeated claims that the People's Protection Units (YPG) is identical to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organisation. YPG leaders insist the PKK is a separate organization.^[10] In 2014 Turkey was accused of supporting Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) attacks on the YPG, allowing them to conduct attacks from the Turkish border and providing logistical support.^[11] These accusations have continued through 2015, with Turkey possibly having shelled Kurdish villages in Syria, among other things, such as carrying out 3 operations against PYD and YPG on Euphrates and east of the river, stating the river as Turkey's redline.^[12] Turkey has also publicly criticised the suppliment of weaponry to YPG militas, stating that the weapons can be used against Turkey as PKK and YPG works in collaboration, later declaring that Turkey will take immediate action if these weapons are found to be used against Turkey by PKK or PYD. Shortly after USA stated that they share Turkey's concerns and will follow the use of weapons carefully.

• United Kingdom – In January 2015, a British Parliament committee asked the government of Prime Minister David Cameron to explain and justify its policy of not working with the Rojava's military in combating ISIS.^[13]

• United States - The US Department of State have announced limited support of the PYD in February 2016.^[14] However the US later opposed the unilateral establishment of a federal region in northern Syria.^[7]

See also

• Foreign relations of Iraqi Kurdistan
• YPG-FSA relations

References

1.  Constitution of the Rojava Cantons. Wikisource. 2014. 
3. "Hollande-PYD meeting challenges Erdogan". Al-Monitor. 12 February 2015.
4. "Syrian Kurds expand diplomatic network in Europe". Al-Monitor. 22 April 2016.
5. "Syrian Kurdish forces to inaugurate first representation office in Czech Republic". Ara News. 31 March 2016.
6. "KRG: Elections in Jazira are Not Acceptable". Basnews. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
7. "Syria conflict: Kurds declare federal system". BBC. 17 March 2016.
8. "Syrian Kurdish PYD opens office in Moscow". Today's Zaman. 10 February 2016.
9. http://aranews.net/2016/04/syrian-kurds-inaugurate-representation-office-sweden/
10. "Meet America's newest allies: Syria's Kurdish minority". CNN.
11. "Research Paper: ISIS-Turkey List". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
12. "Turkey accused of shelling Kurdish-held village in Syria". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 27 July 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
13. "Build Kurdistan relationship or risk losing vital Middle East partner". www.parliament.uk. Parliament of the United Kingdom. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
14. "US Department of the State". US Department of the State. 8 February 2016.