While the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has taken over the government in Syria, continues to use violence and oppression against Alawites and different groups, Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) Istanbul MP Celal Fırat said that North and East Syria is a good reference for Alawites and different identities. 

 

Referring to the developments in North and East Syria and Syria, which are targeted by Turkey and the Syrian National Army (SNA), Fırat emphasised that the Syrian peoples have suffered great pain and that the current process carries similar risks. Pointing to the attacks of HTS against different segments of people and beliefs, Fırat said, "This is happening now, just as those people were displaced from their homes 12-13 years ago. There are people who want to get out of there, who want a corridor to be opened, who make demands. People of different ethnic origins are marginalised there because of their different beliefs and languages. The marginalisation of people because of their beliefs and identities is a matter of great shame for humanity."

 

DEM Party Istanbul MP Celal Fırat

 

Pointing to the massacres that targeted the Kurds' struggle to live in Syria with their own identity, Fırat emphasised that the peoples in Syria should decide their own fate.

 

Stating that Turkey has a threatening approach towards all peoples and forces in Syria by taking HTS leaders as interlocutors instead of stopping the clashes, Fırat said: "Most of the HTS cadres and those in the gangs are not even Syrian. There is a mass of people who come for money and persecute the people there. The people there are being told 'Leave your homes, get out'. The degree of kinship of our people and society with the people in Syria is very high. Latakia is just opposite Samandağ, 7 to 8 minutes by sea, they are that close to each other. The Arab Alawites here were feeling a serious anxiety. Turkish society, democratic forces and non-governmental organisations need to talk about peace and how we can live together, especially in such a process."

 

ASSIMILATION AGAINST THE ALEVIS

 

Underlining that the gains in North and East Syria have become a reference for the entire Middle East, Fırat stated that the conditions for living together have been secured with the constitution implemented here. Stating that Alevis still demand equal citizenship in the country, "Alevis are facing assimilation policies. And this is especially seen in the attacks in recent days. Those who cannot speak out against HTS also threaten Alevis through this pressure, such as 'Do not raise your voice'," said Fırat and added: "This is an indication of how the state views the differences in this country, how they see them with a dirty eye, how they look at them with hatred. Alevi organisations should also take responsibility in this process in a very effective way, and they should speak out more loudly."

 

'DEMOCRACY IS THE ONLY ELEMENT OF PEACE'

 

Pointing to Öcalan's messages, which was made public during the meeting between PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the DEM delegation, Fırat said that no section of society would be concerned about peace, emphasising the brotherhood between Turks and Kurds. Stressed that everyone should make a promise for peace. Fırat pointed out that Alevi organizations should also be involved in the process as a party. Emphasising that peace can be established not only through the two parties but also by involving the whole society, Fırat said: "Öcalan was pointing to the Parliament. When the talks with these delegations reach a certain point, Alevis will also be involved in this process. As Alevis, we have organizations that support democracy in this country and are able to speak out. They can and should contribute to this process and play a very active role."

 

MA / Yeşim Tükel