ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - France’s invitation to Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani to attend the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral is evidence of the strength of the relationship between France and Kurds just as Kurds in Syria need international support, a French senator told Rudaw on Saturday.
“I believe that the invitation extended to President Nechirvan Barzani signals a strong relationship between France and Kurds. It is also a sign that France, particularly President Emmanuel Macron, values Kurdistan,” Senator Remi Feraud told Rudaw’s Alla Shally.
Dozens of heads of state, including United States President-elect Donald Trump, are expected to join French President Emmanuel Macron for a ceremony to reopen the iconic cathedral that was ravaged by fire in 2019.
Feraud said that Kurds in Syria need international assistance as they battle Islamic State (ISIS) and try to secure their territory amid a rapid rebel advance against the Syrian regime.
“Currently, a Kurdish community exists in this area that is unified, and we truly need their help to fight against the jihadist and Turkish occupying groups led by [Turkish President] Erdogan and to establish stability in the region. Additionally, Iranian interference in the domestic politics of the country and the region should be stopped,” Feraud said.
The following is the interview with Senator Remi Feraud:
Rudaw: I want to know why the reopening of the cathedral by the president of France has become a great gathering of world leaders?
Senator Remi Feraud: The reconstruction of Notre Dame is a special moment and event as it represents an identity. I remember that day in April 2019, as I was a member of the Paris municipality. We were on our way back from Kurdistan, we were in Erbil, and upon our arrival in Paris, we learned that the cathedral was on fire. The scenes were horrifying as we watched our cathedral being destroyed. The entire Notre Dame cathedral was engulfed in darkness. Thankfully, the firefighters managed to save much of the cathedral. Many of the artists and painters across France, who have gained experience over the last 50 years, were invited to contribute to its reconstruction. That was a moment of pride for the French people, and it resonated deeply. The reconstruction of Notre Dame in 2024, just five years later, was another proud milestone. This is why the Republic of France deemed it important to invite certain foreign leaders to participate in such a meaningful event, the reopening of Notre Dame de Paris.
What is the importance of the Cathedral of Notre Dame for France and Europe?
Notre Dame de Paris is a religious symbol of France. While there are many cathedrals named Notre Dame, when we refer to Notre Dame, we mean Notre Dame de Paris. It stands in central Paris, embodying the very essence of the city and the nation’s capital. Notre Dame has been a witness to the entire history of the Middle Ages. Its significance has been immortalized in Victor Hugo’s writings. It has also been part of historic moments, such as the death of Napoleon and the liberation of France in 1944. This way, Notre Dame is a religious symbol and a special one for all French. It’s one of the Paris symbols. Notre Dame Cathedral de Paris knows where and when to take its role. Our Notre Dame cathedral has been unprecedented for the last 800 years. It has seen its role as a national symbol in the former and current republics.
Mr Feraud, as you are aware, Nechirvan Barzani is a participant in the event. I would like to know, how much are Kurdistan Region and Nechirvan Barzani valued by France?
I believe that the invitation extended to President Nechirvan Barzani signals a strong relationship between France and Kurds. It is also a sign that France, particularly President Emmanuel Macron, values Kurdistan. I am pleased with this step.
The President of France invited world leaders to the reopening of Notre Dame, marking a significant moment for Paris. It sends a message: "Look at Paris once more." By inviting the leader of a stateless region representing the Kurdish people in Iraq, the French president has taken a meaningful step toward further strengthening relations between the Kurdish people and France, and I am happy to see this progress.
Do you think that, in such a significant event with the participation of the heads of all these countries, they will discuss what will happen regarding the situation in Syria and the Kurdish question?
I don’t know anything about the specific discussions between President Barzani and President Macron. I hope they hold a meeting to discuss what is happening in northwest Syria and the situation of the Kurds in Syria. The certainties and concerns about future events are closely tied to what is about to unfold, especially regarding the Assad regime and the concerns of the Syrian people. I hope that President Barzani proposes effective political solutions and plays a key role in initiating discussions on the matter. However, I do not have any specific information about the topic.
Mr Feraud, you are aware of Syria’s situation after the offensive by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and also the jihadist extremist armed groups of Syria. Kurds in general in Syria, especially Yazidis, are under a real threat. They are scared and really threatened. What will France do to protect those people?
I do not have any empathy with Bashar al-Assad's regime, but replacing Bashar al-Assad with the jihadist armed groups that are supported by Turkey is completely worrisome at the same time for Syrian Kurds and Yazidis.
We are the people supporting northern Syria in its pursuit of autonomy in the coming years, and we must assist them.
I hope that France, as part of the international community, takes steps to protect the Kurds, Yezidis, Arabs, Christians, and all others living in Syria from demographic changes in areas of western Syria. This is a matter of great concern for us. I also hope that political leaders in France make effective efforts to safeguard the Kurds in Syria.
Almost 15,000 Kurds who were trying to move from Aleppo province’s Shahba to areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were seized by extremist armed groups and now are missing. Shouldn't the international communities speak out for them?
This has greatly worried me. These days, such developments are not hidden and the international community should oppose whatever is happening in western Syria and the autonomous areas of Syria. If any area falls out of control, it will negatively affect everyone. Because this model of democracy exists in an area where women's and men's freedoms are valued, provides essential services, and protects the environment, these are among the reasons the international community must safeguard it. Meanwhile, during the seizure of Aleppo by jihadist groups, we knew exactly how to protect the Kurds.
ISIS has now moved into several areas in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces. Do you consider that a threat?
Yes, for sure, this is a really big concern for us. I hope the international community makes an effort to protect all the people in Syria, especially the Kurds in the northwest. I hope it will make a difference. Currently, a Kurdish community exists in this area that is unified and we truly need their help to fight against the jihadist and Turkish occupying groups led by [Turkish President] Erdogan and to establish stability in the region.
Additionally, Iranian interference in the domestic politics of the country and the region should be stopped. We do not need the establishment of another region. Whatever Turkey does is always against the Kurds. In fact, it is the Kurds in Syria who need our support, whether politically or perhaps in terms of an armistice.
In general, political and diplomatic pressure must be imposed on Turkey to stop its direct support of jihadist groups that are continuously seizing Syrian territory. This is a serious threat and must be taken seriously. When the Kurds are protecting themselves, it means they are protecting us as well.
