Statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council

ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council (KNC) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria and for dialogue to be the primary means of resolving outstanding issues, in a way that serves the process of building a new Syria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Council also demanded the lifting of the siege and all restrictions imposed on the city of Kobani, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and guarantee the free movement of civilians.

The KNC further urged that the Kurdish issue be placed at the forefront of the political process, and that Kurds be guaranteed effective participation in shaping the country’s future through the joint Kurdish negotiating delegation, as the representative framework for Kurdish consensus.

Full Text of the Statement

Statement Issued by the Kurdish National Council in Syria

Out of its national and political responsibilities toward the Kurdish people and all components of the Syrian people of different national and religious backgrounds, and in its commitment to consolidating stability, civil peace, and building a state based on partnership and national dialogue, the Kurdish National Council has worked, through its political relations, to de-escalate tensions and prevent the situation from sliding into comprehensive military confrontation.

This comes amid recent security and military developments, and the regrettable clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian army, which have resulted in human and material losses and forced displacement that has further exacerbated civilian suffering. In this context, the Council expresses its support for and endorsement of the efforts of President Masoud Barzani, which have represented a key entry point to defusing tensions.

The Council views these efforts as a real opportunity to revive the political process and prioritize dialogue as the only viable means of addressing various contentious issues. The Council affirms that the Kurdish issue is neither a marginal file nor a temporary demand, but rather a national issue par excellence, rooted in the foundations and structural formation of the Syrian state. It represents a legitimate entitlement of a people living on their own land and constitutes an integral part of the comprehensive national political process.

Accordingly, resolving this issue requires constitutional guarantees and explicit political recognition within an inclusive national framework. While the Council continues its political efforts and communications with all concerned parties, including the Syrian Democratic Forces and the transitional administration, with the aim of consolidating de-escalation, adhering to agreements, and creating appropriate conditions for dialogue, it reiterates the following demands:

First: An immediate halt to hostilities and recourse to dialogue in addressing outstanding issues, in a manner that serves the phase of building a new Syria.

Second: Lifting the siege and removing all restrictions imposed on the city of Kobani, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and facilitate the free movement of civilians without obstacles.

Third: Placing the Kurdish issue as a priority within the political process, and guaranteeing the effective participation of Kurds in shaping the country’s future through the joint Kurdish negotiating delegation, as the representative framework for Kurdish consensus. In this regard, the Council considers Presidential Decree No. (13) to be a positive initial step that can be built upon and developed within a constitutional path that enshrines partnership and equal citizenship.

Fourth: Protecting civil peace by preserving the social fabric and rejecting all forms of hate speech, extremism, and incitement.

Fifth: Affirming that the safe return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes represents a top humanitarian priority, with the need to provide the necessary guarantees to achieve this.

The Council also commends the humanitarian and relief role of all organizations and initiatives supporting and assisting displaced families, particularly the Barzani Charity Foundation for its ongoing efforts to aid those affected and protect civilians.

The Kurdish National Council stresses the unity of the Kurdish position, rejects unilateral decision-making, and calls for constructive engagement in the national political process, in a manner that contributes to consolidating stability and achieving the aspirations of the Kurdish people.

The Council also calls on all Syrian national forces to seize this phase to build a just, democratic, and decentralized state that guarantees the rights of all.

General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council in Syria

January 25, 2026

168