YPJ commander speaks in Italian Parliament, calls for logistic support
NEWS DESK (DİHA) - YPJ Commander Nesrin Abdullah spoke before the Italian Parliament about the struggle of the YPJyesterday.
A delegation from Rojava's Democratic Union Party (PYD) arrived in Italy yesterday on the official invitation of the Italian government. Rojava Co-President Saleh Muslim, Kobanê Canton Co-Chair Enver Muslim and YPJ Commander Nesrin Abdullah spoke before the Italian Parliament, according to a report by Rojnews.
Nesrin Abdullah used her speech to respond to allegations that after the recent liberation of the city of Girê Spî (Tel Abyad) from Daesh, the YPG/YPJ were discriminating between different groups and replacing Turks and Arabs with Kurds.
'We don't have any goal of occupying region'
"We don't have any goal of occupying the region or displacing the peoples living there. There was a call for the people to return; the majority have done so and people are continuing to do so," said Abdullah. She noted that Kurdish forces have helped found an association to aid women from Raqqa and Tel Abyad who have been victimized or abducted by Daesh. In addition, they are providing for the daily needs of the people without any discrimination.
"Life is returning to normal there," said Abdullah. "We are saying this now: anyone who wants to travel there and observe the situation on the ground can do so. There have been opportunities created for this."
'YPJ has its own line of struggle'
Abdullah also answered questions about the difference between the YPG and YPJ. She explained that the two groups share a philosophical commitment to gender equality and a new life, but that the YPJ is an autonomous, self-governing organization. "[The YPJ] has its own line of struggle: the liberation of women," said Abdullah.
'Rojava revolution is a women's revolution'
"The Rojava revolution is a women's revolution," said Abdullah. She noted that the YPJ has emerged as an answer to the savagery of Daesh. "As women, against this kind of savage enemy, war is an honor." However, she said, the YPJ is not only a military organization, but aims to organize all women in society.
Abdullah called for logistic and material support so that the many fighters wounded in Rojava, for whom adequate medical support is not available, be allowed to leave the country and be treated. She also called for arms support.
The delegation's official meetings in Italy will continue for several days.
(cm/nt)
