Wladimir

"The Turkish government has tried to make the current problems an ethnic conflict, but we have avoided that" -IlhamAhmed #MEISyria

We have no problems with Turkey and we want them to solve their problems. At the same time, our priority is to protect ourselves. -Ilham Ahmed #MEISyria

Kurdish Leader Ilham Ahmed says the SDF was advised by many not to work w/ the US because of stereotypes that “when they withdraw, they create a lot of chaos” Now she’s here in DC to tell the Trump admin “don’t do that again.” @MiddleEastInst

It is important for all ethnic groups in the region to have cultural rights, religious rights, and human rights. If all these ethnic groups do not have these rights, then we did not achieve anything, says Ilham Ahmed. #MEISyria

"We will ask the members of congress to work on a bill that will focus on the alternative plans for after the withdrawal" -Ilham Ahmed #MEISyria

Ahmed: We are real partners to the United States. They should continue to support us to stabilize the area.

Ahmed: US administration is slowing the withdrawal. We are discussing the details. The American government wants to play a role in solving the problem between us and Turkey. We have no problems with Turkey.

Ahmed: There has never been a discussion about Americans taking our weapons back. We need the weapons. US military should leave some groups (small forces) to help us.

Ahmed: The US wants to coordinate the withdrawal with us and Turkey. And both will be informed. Turkey wants 20 mile safe zone. But no one has discussed with us this idea. We’ve only discussed who will be providing the security on the border.

Ahmed: Regime rejects our ideas. They don’t want to change. They need to change. They have to change. We will keep pushing, they’re an essential part in the negotiations. We’re always looking for alternative political routes.

#Pentagon says withdrawal of US troops from #Syria is in its early stage. Says the pull out is gonna be cautious and coordinated. Basically, it means “we will be withdrawing for as long as it is needed.”

Kurdish leader Ilham Ahmed defiant on #Syria : • Rejects a Turkey Safe Zone • Says Adana agreement no longer applies • Denies connection with PKK • Says Kurds suffered from Assad • Calls for continued self governance @MiddleEastInst

Kurdish leader says alternative tracks will be explored *with Assad* if Kurds/SDF excluded from proposals. #Syria

Ahmed: we are open to a dialogue with Turkey to reach a solution. But Turkey uses the hostility & ethnic cleanse the Kurds in Syria. Kurds live on the border with Turkey. They are against any democratic project in Syria. Not only talking about Kurds but Arabs too.

Ahmed: we don’t have a ethnic conflict in Syria. But Turkey wants us to have an ethnic conflict. We avoided that. We want to end the Turkish occupation of Syria. Anyone (IDPs) is welcome to enter our area east of the Euphrates.

Ahmed adds: “We want to end conflict with Turkey..,we are not part of inner divide in Turkey (PKK)...it’s an excuse for Turkey to attack us” Ilham Ahmed is visiting DC, Met Trump Officials

Ahmed: We need someone to protect us, we don’t have the power to attack Turkey. The allegations against us from Turkey is false. Security agreement between Turkey-Syria (1998 Adana) allows Turkey to enter Syria no more than 5km. However Turkey has entered beyond the agreement.