Pointing out the economic burden and health effects of the attacks of Turkey and the Syrian National Army (SMO) on Northern and Eastern Syria, Mehmet Nur Ulus, Co-Chair of the Amed Branch of the Health and Social Service Workers' Union (SES), said that the war is a public health problem. Stating that women and children are mostly affected in conflict zones, Ulus said that the burden of the war on the country's economy is paid by labourers. Ulus said, "Everyone in Turkey is now greatly affected by the economic crisis. We know that the main cause of this crisis is war policies. We labourers, like everyone else, state that we are against the war policies carried out in Syria and Rojava and our struggle will continue until those waging this war hear our voices."

 

'EVERYONE MUST SPEAK OUT AGAINST THIS WAR'

 

Stating that a life that will be a model for the Middle East where the peoples live in peace is being built in Northern and Eastern Syria, Ulus said, "That is why these gangs are attacking this model of life and trying to create a turmoil among the peoples. This war on the peoples is against international law and is a crime. In this war being waged in Syria and Rojava, not only the peoples but also medics and journalists are being massacred. Recently, 2 journalist friends were killed in Rojava as a result of a drone attack. We condemn the murder of both journalists and paramedics in this way. The murdered journalists were killed because they announced the truth to the world. Everyone should speak out against this war being waged in Rojava so that this model of life, which is an example for the world, is protected."

 

'THEIR AIM IS TO LEAVE THE KURDS WITHOUT STATUS'

 

Ulus said that the aim of Turkey's attack on Syria is to leave the Kurdish people without status, "The AKP-MHP regime is in a continuous attack against the Kurds and an attempt to usurp their gains. The recent appointment of trustees to the municipalities, which the Kurds have achieved with their will, is an indication of this. The AKP-MHP regime must give up its hostility towards the Kurds."

 

'WE ARE READY TO TAKE OUR RESPONSIBILITY'

 

Referring to the recent intensified discussions on the Kurdish issue, Ulus said, "While negotiations are taking place on the one hand, the attacks on Syria and the appointment of trustees on the other hand is an insincere approach. No matter how insincere the state is, we are aware of how important this process is and we will act accordingly. If an environment without war is to be created, we civil society organisations are ready to take our responsibility."

 

MA / Heval Önkol