“In all our talks with Russia, they told us we have to be at the congress. We haven’t been informed of the vetoing of any names. Sipan Hemo (a Syrian Kurdish officials), too, was told in Moscow that there is no change in the Russian position," Aldar Xalil said.

Xalil told Al-Monitor, “We control 30% of Syria. No matter who is searching for a solution, there will not be one unless we are involved. We really don’t know what the outcome of Sochi will be. We don’t know what the plan is and what is expected. They will assemble 1,500 people at Sochi for two days. What will they achieve? They will form a constitutional committee; that is all we know. Nevertheless, we — as the administration of northern Syria — are ready to be present in all platforms toward a settlement."

Actually, from the outset, Kurds have been following a course that will aid Russia’s efforts to end Turkey’s objections. Naturally, the ongoing debate on whether the PYD will attend the congress reinforces impressions in Turkey that Erdogan’s red lines still prevail.

Xalil said the title of the list consisting of 155 names is “Autonomous Administration and Political Entities.” There is no mention of the PYD. Also, names that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was likely to veto are not included in the list.

“We told the Russians that we will not come to represent the Kurds exclusively. We will represent Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs, Chaldeans, Chechens and Circassians," Xalil said. "We gave them a list of 155 names who will represent Raqqa, Hasakah, Qamishli, Kobani and Manbij. Our list was accepted as is. We knew the names Erdogan would object to, and they were not put on the list. For example, PYD co-chairs and YPG commanders are not on the list.”

Tev-Dem isn't concerned about what reaction US President Donald Trump's administration might have toward the Kurds' blossoming dialogue with Russians. “We have not surrendered our will to anyone," Xalil said.

"We do what we think is right. Our relations are not confined to a single party. Our relations with America and Russia are equidistant. The United States has not objected to our contacts. They know us and know whom we talk with," he further added.

Xalil also said that the Syrian government cannot afford to fight with the Kurds as it has “no strength” for that, and that the regime was trying to appease Turkey and Iran with its recent declaration about traitors.

In sum, some issues related to the Syrian congress will remain fluid until all invitations are set. One should expect last-minute surprises until the congress finally meets — if that ever happens.

Reporter’s code: 50101