Kurdish Institutions in Europe Issue Statement on International Mother Language Day
ARK News.. On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, Kurdish institutions in Switzerland, Brussels, and Stockholm issued a joint statement emphasizing that education in one’s mother tongue is a fundamental and essential right.
In their statement, the institutions noted that UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999, choosing the date to honor university students who lost their lives during the Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh. The day is marked annually in UNESCO member states to promote and protect linguistic diversity.
The statement read: “On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, as designated by UNESCO, we commemorate and celebrate the mother tongue of our people.”
The institutions highlighted that language is the most important tool of communication in life and that every nation preserves its dignity and existence through its language. The loss of a language, they stressed, leads to the loss of a nation’s values, history, culture, art, and identity.
They added that International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder that protecting the Kurdish language is a shared responsibility, and that there is a duty to pass this sacred value on to future generations.
The statement also underlined that the Kurdish people possess an ancient language rooted in their land for thousands of years, describing Kurdish as one of the oldest and most authentic languages in the world. It noted that the Kurdish language consists of four main dialects: Kurmanji, Sorani, Zazaki, and Hawrami, each of which is considered by many to be a distinct linguistic form.
The institutions further drew attention to assimilation policies in northern Kurdistan, stating that the use of the Kurdish language has declined in many areas and faces risks of erasure and systematic distortion.
They concluded by reaffirming that protecting the language means protecting national existence, stressing that education in the mother tongue is essential:
“For the protection and development of language, education in that language is a fundamental condition; a nation that learns in its mother tongue preserves its language, values, and dignity, for language is the memory of history, values, and the honor of the nation.”
218
Muwaffaq Tarif: Druze Remain Trapped in Syrian Territories
ARK News.. The spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, Muwaffaq Tarif, confirmed that members of the Druze minority inside Syria continue to face serious danger, seven months after deadly clashes between Syria’s Druze community and government-backed forces.
According to France Press Agency (AFP), Sheikh Tarif said: “The Druze remain completely besieged in Syria. No humanitarian aid is allowed in, including the assistance we ourselves try to provide.”
He added that over 120,000 people remain displaced, 38 villages have been seized, and residents are not allowed to return. More than 300 individuals, including women and children, remain in detention.
Sheikh Tarif emphasized that the Druze do not require government security forces in the region, stating that “the Druze have forces capable of defending themselves and maintaining order,” while describing Syrian government forces as “jihadists and elements of ISIS.”
He also called for Druze across the Middle East to be allowed access to their religious sites in neighboring countries, “just as our Christian and Muslim brothers visit their holy sites” in states where diplomatic relations may not exist.
He concluded: “The Druze also deserve access to our sacred sites in Syria and Lebanon to pray, and to visit our holy places” in Israel.
180
Syrian National Authority for Transitional Justice Plans to Establish “Reparations Fund”
ARK News.. The head of the Syrian National Authority for Transitional Justice revealed that the Authority held more than seven international meetings over the past week to support efforts to establish a reparations fund. He stressed that the fund will be sovereign in nature and supported by relevant stakeholders and several official institutions, in order to enhance confidence in its mechanism and independence.
The head of the Authority, Abdul Basset Abdul Latif, stated that the authority includes a specialized directorate for reparations, headed by Yasmin al-Masha ‘an. The directorate is responsible for preparing frameworks and procedures necessary to compensate victims. He noted that the planned fund will operate under clear regulatory and oversight mechanisms in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, the Central Authority for Control and Inspection, and the Central Financial Control Authority, ensuring high standards of transparency and integrity.
Abdul Latif explained that work is underway to establish a sovereign national fund dedicated to reparations and victim compensation, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the transitional justice process and ensure redress for those affected by violations.
He added that the authority recently visited the Ministry of Finance to coordinate efforts and discuss the legal and theoretical framework for forming the fund, paving the way for its official launch.
The head of the authority expressed hope that the fund will contribute to compensating victims’ families—particularly those who lost relatives or were subjected to violations, including detention—affirming the Authority’s commitment to providing both material and moral support within the framework of transitional justice.
129
Trump Opens First Meeting of “Peace Council”
ARK News.. U.S. President Donald Trump inaugurated the first meeting of the newly formed “Peace Council” in Washington on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, stressing that the situation in the Gaza Strip is complex and that peace is not easy to achieve, while pledging to establish “good governance in Gaza.”
In his opening remarks, Trump said, “Nothing is more important than peace, and war costs far more than peace.”
He described the Peace Council as one of his administration’s achievements, alongside what he called the end of several wars.
Trump acknowledged that conditions in Gaza remain complicated, noting that peace would not be easy but expressing confidence that “this council will achieve major accomplishments.” He added, “We have achieved peace in the Middle East.”
Addressing the situation with Hamas, Trump said the group would honor its commitments under the Gaza agreement, “or we will confront it firmly,” adding that Hamas had pledged to hand over its weapons.
Regarding the potential deployment of U.S. forces, the president stated, “I do not believe it will be necessary to send troops to fight in Gaza.”
He further asserted that “Gaza is no longer a hub for extremism and terrorism,” and noted that Egypt would provide training and support to a trusted Palestinian force.
Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving a situation in which Gaza would be governed responsibly.
He also announced that Washington would allocate $10 billion to Gaza through the Peace Council, adding that nine members had pledged $7 billion toward a Gaza relief package.
The president said several U.S. allies had contributed more than $7 billion in relief efforts for Gaza, naming Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait as contributors.
Trump added that the UN Office for Humanitarian Assistance was mobilizing $2 billion to support Gaza, while FIFA would help raise $75 million for football-related projects in the territory. He also said that China and Russia would contribute to reconstruction efforts.
185
Syria Expresses Gratitude to Canada Following Lifting of Sanctions
ARK News.. The Syrian government has expressed its appreciation to the government and people of Canada for their supportive stance toward the Syrian people, following Ottawa’s announcement that it has lifted its sanctions on Syria.
In a statement, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates described the Canadian government’s decision to end the sanctions as a “positive development” that reflects a move toward enhancing dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect between the two countries.
The ministry said that lifting the sanctions represents “a genuine opportunity to open a new chapter in bilateral relations” in a manner that serves the interests of both friendly peoples. It added that the move would support recovery and reconstruction efforts, improve living conditions for citizens, and contribute to strengthening regional stability.
The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to a responsible national path, openness, and constructive cooperation with the international community in a way that consolidates stability and enhances the country’s position in its Arab, regional, and international surroundings.
Earlier, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada had amended its economic sanctions on Syria to ease restrictions related to the import and export of goods, investment activities, and the provision of financial and other services.
Anand added that the amendments also remove 24 entities and one individual from Syria-related sanctions lists, with the aim of reducing barriers to economic activity and enabling transactions with state-linked entities in key sectors vital to Syria’s recovery.
188
UN Urges Donor States to Address Unexploded Ordnance in Syria
ARK News.. Vanessa Frazier, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, has urged donor countries to support efforts by the United Nations and the Syrian government to address the issue of unexploded ordnance in Syria.
According to the UN News Centre, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric quoted Frazier as saying at the conclusion of her visit to Damascus that “unexploded ordnance and landmines continue to pose a significant challenge,” urging donors to back both UN and Syrian efforts to tackle this critical issue.
Dujarric added that the Special Representative’s visit to Syria focused on exploring new opportunities for cooperation with the Syrian government to strengthen child protection and expand UN support.
159
Kurdish National Council Stresses Importance of Joint Work with Syrian Interim Government
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council in Syria stated on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, emphasizing the importance of joint work with the Syrian interim government and the need to translate positive directions into tangible, practical steps to address the Kurdish issue and other national issues comprehensively and sustainably.
In its statement, the council said it held a meeting on Feb. 18, 2026, dedicated to discussing the rapidly evolving political developments on the Syrian and Kurdish scenes and ways to address current challenges in a manner that serves the aspirations of the Kurdish people within the framework of a comprehensive national partnership and contributes to the success of the transitional phase.
At the outset of the meeting, the council expressed high appreciation for the demonstrations of support and solidarity witnessed in various areas where Kurdish communities reside, stating that this public mobilization reflects advanced national awareness and firm adherence to legitimate national rights, strengthening the Kurdish political struggle for genuine partnership in the country’s future.
The meeting also welcomed the invitation extended to the council’s delegation by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, followed by a meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa. It noted that the discussions included positive assurances regarding the necessity of guaranteeing Kurdish national rights in the Syrian constitution as a key entry point to building a Syria founded on justice and partnership, lifting injustices, and ending the discriminatory policies of the former regime.
The council stressed the importance of working jointly with the Syrian interim government and translating these positive orientations into concrete measures to comprehensively and sustainably resolve the Kurdish issue and other national matters.
The meeting also expressed deep appreciation for the historic role of President Masoud Barzani and for the continued political and humanitarian support provided by the Kurdistan Region of Iraq—its presidency, government, and people—to Kurds in Syria. It praised the relief efforts of the Barzani Charity Foundation and other humanitarian organizations in supporting displaced persons and those affected.
The council emphasized the importance of continued coordination and cooperation among Kurdish forces and building balanced and responsible relations in light of the understandings reached at the April 26, 2025 conference, while taking into account new developments, to safeguard the rights of the Kurdish people in Syria, enhance their participation in national decision-making centers, and prevent any single party from monopolizing Kurdish political representation.
It also called on the Democratic Union Party to review its policies during previous phases, address past mistakes, abandon negative practices such as the recruitment of minors and the imposition of levies, and work toward building sound relations with various Kurdish parties based on the particularity of the Kurdish struggle in Syria and a shared Kurdish vision.
The council further urged the Syrian government and other parties to lift the blockade imposed on Kobani and provide necessary assistance to its residents amid difficult humanitarian conditions.
In conclusion, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of continuing to activate the council’s role and working toward convening its fifth conference to ensure the inclusion of Kurdish rights in Syria’s constitution and to build a unified, democratic, decentralized, and pluralistic Syria that guarantees rights and freedoms for all its citizens without exception.
234
U.S. Plans to Withdraw All Troops from Syria in Coming Months
ARK News.. American media outlets have reported that the United States is planning to withdraw all of its remaining forces in Syria—estimated at around 1,000 troops—within the next two months.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington intends to end its military presence in Syria following the consolidation of control by the Syrian government and a pledge by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate into state institutions.
Meanwhile, CBS cited unnamed U.S. officials as confirming that American troops will be withdrawn.
In recent months, U.S. forces have already pulled out from several bases in Syria, including al-Tanf and Al-Shaddadi, which had been used by the U.S.-led international coalition in operations against the Islamic State group.
168
KDP–Syria Secretary Receives Delegation from Kurdish Left in Syria
ARK News.. The Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria (KDP–S) and the Kurdish Left Party in Syria exchanged views on ways to unify positions and enhance joint action in the interest of the Kurdish people and regional stability.
Mohammed Ismail, Secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria, received a delegation from the Kurdish Left Party in Syria headed by Mohammed Mousa on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the party’s office in Qamishlo Syrian Kurdistan. The meeting came as part of efforts to strengthen dialogue and coordination among Kurdish political forces in Syria.
Discussions focused on the latest political and field developments in the region, particularly recent events and their repercussions on Syria in general and Kurdish areas in particular.
The two sides also exchanged perspectives on unifying political stances and reinforcing joint efforts to serve the interests of the Kurdish people and promote stability.
Participants further reviewed the recent visit of a council delegation to Damascus and the meetings held there, examining the outcomes of the trip, key issues discussed, and the broader challenges facing Kurdish political activity in Syria at the current stage.
176
Masrour Barzani and Joshua Harris Discuss Strengthening Kurdistan Region–U.S. Relations
ARK News.. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, received U.S. charge Affairs to Iraq Joshua Harris on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and reviewed the overall situation in Iraq. They also addressed ongoing dialogues concerning the formation of the new federal government cabinet and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s upcoming cabinet.
Both parties stressed the importance of forming a strong government in Iraq founded on respect for the constitution and the federal system, safeguarding the constitutional rights and legal status of the Kurdistan Region, and serving all Iraqi citizens without discrimination.
They further emphasized the need to establish a robust and inclusive cabinet for the Kurdistan Regional Government.
In another part of the meeting, the U.S. charge Affairs conveyed his congratulations and appreciation to Prime Minister Barzani for the reform steps being implemented by the Kurdistan Regional Government across various sectors.
172
