Last week, a new political structure was created in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo called the Syrian National Resistance, which includes Arabs, Turkmens, Kurds and Alawites. Secretary General of the movement, Rezan Hido, spoke to Sputnik about the aims and objectives of this new resistance.

According to Hido, the resistance is going to prevent attempts to divide Syria. He said that the actions of the Turkish Armed Forces is the direct occupation of Syrian territories and the Turkish province of Hatay and its Iskenderun region belong to Syria, thus the National Resistance intends to pursue its accession to Syria.

The Syrian National Resistance is a Syrian organization which consists of Arabs, Assyrians, Turkmens, Kurds and representatives of other nations. “Our goal is to fight against terrorist groups, primarily Daesh and al-Nusra Front. They have to stop their activities in the Syrian territory; otherwise Syria will not be able to become a democratic state. We intend to wage resolute struggle against terrorists,” Hido said.

He further spoke about how the new organization has offices in Aleppo, Latakia, Homs, Idlib and other cities.

“We were joined by a large number of people from different parts of Syria, with different political views. As part of the Syrian National Resistance [SNR] there are representatives of the opposition and supporters of the current government,” Hido told Sputnik. He further said that in some media, primarily Turkish, it was reported that SNR is related to the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PDS) and the democratic forces of Syria.

According to Hido that is not true. “We have nothing to do with the PDS, Kurdish YPG forces of self-defense and the Movement of Democratic Society. We also do not support any contacts with the PKK and Abdullah Öcalan,” Hido said. Talking about the primary focus of the SNR, Hido said that the structure opposes a division of Syria and intends to oppose any attempts to divide the country.

“We want Syria to be integrated, independent and a democratic state, where, Sunnis, Shiites, Alawites and representatives of all nations and religious movements can live peacefully,” the general explained.

He said that SNR is ready to take part in the Geneva conference if they get an invitation to go. “The Syrian crisis affects not only the people of Syria but it is an international problem. As part of the settlement process, we are ready to hold talks with Russia and the United States.”

“Russia is a powerful force that can make a significant contribution to the resolution of the Syrian crisis. We are open to dialogue with all countries that recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of Syria,” the general said.

Talking about Turkish troops coming into Syria and how the SNR wants to stand up to such attempts, Hido said, “If Turkey withdraws its troops from Jarabulus, and gives us Hatay and Iskenderun, the source of discord in our relations with Turkey will end, as Turkey is our neighbor, with whom we want to maintain good relations. I want to emphasize that we are not against the Turkish people.”