The Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) held a meeting on February 18, 2026, dedicated to reviewing the latest rapid political developments on the Syrian and Kurdish arenas and exploring ways to address current challenges in a manner that serves the aspirations of the Kurdish people within the framework of comprehensive national partnership and contributes to the success of the transitional phase.
According to the statement, the Council began its meeting by expressing “high appreciation” for the demonstrations of support and solidarity witnessed across areas where the Kurdish people reside, affirming that this public unity reflects “advanced national awareness and a firm commitment to legitimate national rights,” and strengthens the Kurdish people’s political struggle to achieve genuine partnership in the country’s future.
The statement noted that the meeting welcomed the invitation extended to the Council’s delegation by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, followed by a meeting with President Ahmad al-Sharaa. It highlighted the “positive assurances regarding the necessity of guaranteeing the national rights of the Kurds in the Syrian constitution,” considering this a fundamental gateway to building a Syria based on justice and partnership, lifting injustices, and ending the discriminatory policies pursued by the former regime.
The Council stressed the importance of joint work with the Syrian Interim Government and the need to translate these positive orientations into tangible practical steps, leading to a comprehensive and sustainable resolution of the Kurdish issue and other national issues.
The statement also expressed deep appreciation for the historic role of President Masoud Barzani and for the continued support provided by the Kurdistan Region of Iraq—its presidency, government, and people—to the Kurdish people in Syria at both political and humanitarian levels. It further commended the relief efforts of the Barzani Charity Foundation and other humanitarian organizations in assisting displaced persons and those affected.
The meeting underscored the importance of continued coordination and cooperation among Kurdish political forces and of building balanced and responsible relations in light of the understandings approved by the April 26, 2025 Conference, 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 party from monopolizing Kurdish decision-making.
It also stressed the need for the Democratic Union Party to review its policies during previous stages, address mistakes committed, 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 specificity of the Kurdish struggle in Syria and a shared Kurdish vision.
The Council further called on the Syrian government and other parties to lift the siege imposed on the Kobani area and to provide necessary assistance to its residents amid difficult humanitarian conditions.
In conclusion, the meeting reaffirmed the importance and necessity of continuing to activate the Council’s performance and working toward holding its fifth conference to ensure the inclusion of the Kurdish people’s rights in Syria’s constitution and to build a united, democratic, decentralized, and pluralistic Syria that guarantees rights and freedoms for all its citizens without exception.
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