To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they recognise a de facto existence of democratic administrations in the Kurdish cantons of northern Syria; and if so, what communications they have had concerning their basic needs.
Answered on
28 January 2015
The UK supports the sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Neither the UK nor the international community recognises the unilateral decision made by the Partiya Yekitiya Demokrat (PYD) to form a temporary administration in the Kurdish areas of Syria. The UK has consistently made it clear to the PYD that they need to demonstrate commitment to pluralism, respecting other political forces within the Kurdish areas rather than linked to the regime, and willingness to co-operate with the National Coalition. It will be for the Syrians to decide the exact nature of the settlement including whether an autonomous region will be created for the Kurds in Syria.
We appreciate the difficulty in delivering aid in northern Syria as a result of insecurity. The UK is working closely with our partners and continues to push all parties to allow the safe, unhindered delivery of aid.