In a landmark address delivered at the Kurdish Unity and Solidarity Conference on Saturday, President Masoud Barzani declared that the Kurds in Syria now face a rare and decisive opportunity to achieve unity and secure their national rights through peaceful and democratic means.

The conference, held in Qamishlo (Rojava/Northeast Syria), brought together around 50 Kurdish political parties and nearly 400 dignitaries, marking a pivotal moment in the Kurdish national movement in Western Kurdistan (Syrian Kurdistan).

President Barzani’s message, read by his envoy Dr. Hamid Darbandi, emphasized that the gathering represents a historic turning point in the Kurdish struggle and a crucial platform for resolving the Kurdish question within a united, free, and democratic Syria.

"Today, amid the sweeping transformations in Syria and the region, a profound opportunity has emerged for our people," Barzani stated. He warned that this moment carries immense historical responsibility, urging Kurdish leaders to overcome divisions and present a unified vision reflecting the legitimate aspirations of Kurds in Syria.

Barzani acknowledged decades of marginalization, denial, and injustice faced by Syrian Kurds but stressed that the current changes offer a chance that must not be wasted.

Reiterating his commitment to democratic solutions, Barzani asserted that "a peaceful and diplomatic approach always yields better results than violent conflict." He pointed to the devastation caused by war and extremism across the region, urging Kurds to avoid similar pitfalls.

A key proposal in his message was the formation of a unified Kurdish delegation to negotiate with Damascus in future political talks. "This is essential for genuine Kurdish participation in rebuilding Syria and securing rights within the country’s new political structure," he said.

Barzani called for a new, democratic Syria with a constitution guaranteeing civil, political, and economic rights for all ethnic and religious communities.

The former President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq stressed that unity among Kurdish factions is the only path to a sustainable solution. "Only through collective action can we ensure a dignified future for our people," he declared.

He praised Mazloum Abdi, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and other Kurdish leaders for organizing the conference, urging them to prioritize national solidarity over political divisions.

Barzani expressed strong support for a Syria based on democracy, human rights, and coexistence, free from dictatorship and sectarian violence. He warned against the dangers of continued division, calling instead for tolerance, reconciliation, and a shared future.

In his closing remarks, Barzani urged Kurdish leaders to act with patriotism and responsibility, seizing this historic moment to build a prosperous future for Kurds and all Syrians.

"I reiterate my full support for every sincere effort to strengthen Kurdish unity and work toward a peaceful, dignified future," he affirmed.

The Kurdish Unity and Solidarity Conference is widely seen as a historic step in the Kurdish national movement in Syria, with potential long-term implications for Kurdish rights and Syria’s political future.

As the conference continues, observers await further developments on whether Kurdish factions can bridge differences and present a united front in upcoming negotiations.