Statement by the Kurdish National Council in Syria on Presidential Decree No. 13

Yekiti Media

The Kurdish National Council welcomed the presidential decree issued by President Ahmad al-Shara, recognizing Kurds as an integral and indigenous part of the Syrian people and acknowledging the cultural and linguistic rights of the Kurdish people, in addition to annulling the results of the exceptional census and its grave legal and humanitarian consequences.

The Council views this decree as a positive step, as it is the first official approach to address the issue of Kurdish rights openly and directly. Furthermore, the annulment of the results of the exceptional census is a measure that will contribute to redressing historical injustices suffered by tens of thousands of Kurdish citizens. In addition, the recognition of Newroz as the national holiday of the Kurdish people in Syria confirms that the decree is a step towards a comprehensive and just solution to the Kurdish issue, as a political and national issue that requires deeper treatment, based on constitutional recognition of national rights and the guarantee of genuine partnership in state-building.

This decree is a foundation on which to build a serious and responsible dialogue between the Syrian government and the joint Kurdish delegation with the aim of reaching sustainable solutions that constitutionally recognize the cultural, linguistic, national, and political rights of the Kurdish people within the framework of a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized state. It also sees the need to expand the circle of dialogue to establish a new phase based on justice and recognition of the rights of all Syrian components.

The Council calls for the cessation of all hostilities through a comprehensive ceasefire and commitment to the terms of the ceasefire agreement announced today, and seizing this opportunity to deepen political and national dialogue to resolve all national issues and contribute to strengthening civil peace and consolidating the unity of the country on a just basis that guarantees the rights of all individuals and components.

Qamishlo
January 18, 2026

Kurdish National Council in Syria