JINHA

NEWS CENTER - The ZAD (Defending Zone) occupation near the city of Nantes, France has declared autonomy in solidarity with Kurdistan.

The ZAD declared itself “autonomous” recently, as municipalities in Northern Kurdistan make declarations of self-government in response to the war declared by the Turkish government. Faced with fierce attacks against civilians by special forces police and army, several neighborhood assemblies in Kurdistan have decided to declare themselves autonomous. The ZAD has followed suit.

ZAD occupiers said in their declaration that, “We follow what is happening in Turkey. We express our support against the offensive of the Turkish state. This reaction of declaring war is due to election results that do not please the president and against the will of a people to organize horizontally.”

The group emphasized the role of women in the struggle.

“We share with you critical role of the women’s movement and the place of the LGBT movement in the struggle. We respect your self-defense principles and your strategic independence,” they said.

They described a struggle that has existed for 45 years against the airport project in the area.

“We speak from ZAD (Defending Zone) of Notre Dame des Landes, France, which is illegally occupied in opposition to a proposed development of the territory since 2009,” they said.

The occupiers announced that they have declared themselves autonomous in solidarity with Kurdistan.

“What is being built in Kurdistan, already attacked by the Islamic State, is now being crushed under the Turkish bombs. The French state, when seeking heroes against IS, had a mouthful of praise for the Kurds, but today supports Erdogan’ shameful ‘counter-terrorism’ war which continues to kill and repress Kurdish activists. We declare ourselves ready to help you!” wrote the ZAD.

(ea/cm)