JINHA

RIHA –Afroditi Stampouli, Syriza MP, celebrated March 8, International Women's Day, in Suruç with women from Kobanê and says Syriza is working to support the reconstruction of the city.

Afroditi, a Syriza member with her roots in the ecological left, works as part of Syriza's Women's Network. She attended the March 8 celebrations in the tent city in Suruç, where tens of thousands of Kobanê residents currently live.

"I'm here because of the historic resistance that Kurdish women have shown against fascist and authoritarian regimes," she said. "I'm here to build better relationships with them and to say 'we're with you.'"

Afroditi said Syriza members followed the resistance in Kobanê and were always there in spirit.

"The YPJ resistance has been a source of hope for the world. It's made us unbelievably happy."

Although Afroditi said Syrizawill officially take part in the reconstruction as a party, she said that the European Union needed to take part in the effort as well.

"Right now the most immediate problem is daily needs. We're doing the best we can to collect food aid," she said. "We've been meeting with NGOs working in Kobanê with different groups in the area and with states. But Kobanê's reconstruction is a huge project, not something a state can do alone. The EU needs to play a role here and we'll be doing our best to make that happen."

(ekip/mç/fk/cm)