GENEVA

 The PYD terrorist group’s declaration of a self-proclaimed "federation" in northern Syria aims to reduce pressure on the Damascus regime, a Kurdish member of the opposition's High Negotiation Committee (HNC) has said.

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency, Abdul-Hakim Bashar, a Kurdish member of the HNC and a Kurdish National Council of Syria (KNCS) delegate, said that the terrorist PYD’s declaration is an attempt to distract from ongoing efforts to find a permanent solution for the region's woes.

“The PYD wants to create trouble through this unilateral declaration,” he said.

Bashar blasted the PYD’s decision as “reckless”.

“The PYD’s hastily taken, reckless decision is not for the benefit of Kurds”.

The PYD, the Syrian affiliate of the terrorist PKK organization, on Thursday declared a "federal system" in PYD-controlled areas in northern Syria.

Following a two-day conference of more than 150 representatives in Syria's northern town of Rmeilan, the PYD declared the establishment of a "federal system" in three PYD-held areas -- Al Hasakah, Afrin, Kobani -- in northern Syria.

According to an unnamed source, the meeting was snubbed by the KNC, which does not support plans for the establishment of autonomous regions in Syria.

Turkey has repeatedly voiced its concern over the PYD's affiliation with the PKK terrorist group and their sharing of information and weaponry.

At Turkey's request, the PYD was not invited to ongoing UN-sponsored talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the six-year conflict in Syria.