The co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department in the Autonomous Administration, Ilham Ahmed , stated that the current dealings between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) do not amount to formal negotiations but rather represent “a type of understanding to address the Syrian crisis.”
In an interview with Rudaw Media Network on the evening of Sunday, July 27, Ahmad revealed that mediators are overseeing the understandings between the two sides. She affirmed that this is the first time the United States is participating, while France has always been involved, and Britain participates indirectly.
“However, only the Damascus government and the SDF have sat together and discussed certain key points that are being worked on as solutions,” Ahmad confirmed.
She believes that the current leadership should encompass all components and sects of the diverse Syrian society to build a new Syria.
Ahmad attributed the failure to implement integration between Damascus and the SDF to differing interpretations of the March 10 agreement, which included terms on integration, participation, and unity. According to her, each party interprets these terms differently. The SDF’s definition of integration entails “a dual nature, meaning that the Damascus government must recognize the SDF, and the SDF must recognize the Damascus government.”
She pointed out that the current Damascus government is a transitional administration, unelected by the Syrian people and society, and all steps it has taken have been unilateral. It issued the constitutional declaration, formed the interim government, and began establishing the People’s Assembly without any consultation—not just with the Kurdish component, but also with other segments of the Syrian population. “That is, they don’t consult any other Syrian parties either.”
Regarding the future of the SDF, Ahmad stated that the March 10 agreement stipulates its integration into the Syrian army, but the mechanism for this integration would be defined through dialogue. “The fighters will not simply be handed over, nor will the SDF be dismantled. What is required is mutual recognition between us and Damascus and the joint establishment of a new army that ensures shared security,” she said.
She added, “We do not reject the idea of the SDF becoming part of the Syrian army, but it must happen within a framework of equal partnership and according to new foundations.”
Building a Decentralized Syria
In response to repeated accusations that the Autonomous Administration is seeking to divide Syria, Ahmad strongly denied this, stating that “the desire for separation does not come from the people but from the behavior of the central authority if it fails to respect the will of other parties.” She explained that the same scenario is being applied today against the people of Suwayda, emphasizing that the Autonomous Administration has not heard any separatist calls from any Druze group.
Ahmad explained that the “political project” pursued by the Autonomous Administration aims to build a decentralized Syria, granting local areas the authority to manage their affairs while the central state retains general sovereignty, thus easing the burden on the state.
Regarding the Administration’s stance toward central state institutions, Ahmad stressed that “airports, passports, and identity documents are sovereign matters and should be managed centrally.” In contrast, “services, education, culture, and internal security should be managed in a decentralized way to ensure genuine local participation.”
“The SDF has no intention of taking control of Qamishli Airport and acknowledges that the airport is sovereign, meaning it is tied to the central government. Dialogue is needed in this regard,” she added.
Negotiation Channel with Turkey
Ahmad confirmed the existence of “an open channel for direct negotiations with Turkey,” noting that such dialogues are necessary “to reduce tension and prevent military escalation.” However, she declined to disclose details about the meetings or the Turkish entities involved.
Commenting on the demand for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to disarm, she emphasized that disarmament is not part of the SDF’s agenda at all. She described the situation in Syria as “chaotic in full view of the world, where people are being killed, massacres and genocides are occurring.” She said that asking the SDF to disarm at this time “is like telling them to go to their death.”
Regarding the “Kurdish delegation” formed after the Kurdish Unity Conference, Ahmad said that the delegation is fully prepared, “but Damascus has not yet shown readiness to receive it.” She noted that the Kurdish delegation differs in nature from the Autonomous Administration’s delegation, as it carries specific demands related to the constitutional rights of Kurds in future Syria.
No Dispute with the U.S.
The Autonomous Administration’s representative abroad, Sihanouk Dibo, said the reasons that led to the establishment of the SDF still exist.
In an interview with Al- Arabiya on the evening of Sunday, July 27, Dibo stressed that the integration of the SDF must happen gradually. He affirmed that there is no dispute with the U.S. administration and that there is full coordination, responsiveness, and harmony between the SDF and Washington.
He revealed that the SDF will respond positively to the Syrian People’s Assembly elections, provided there is consensus.
No Progress on Agreement
On July 25, the Director of the American Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Qutaiba Idlibi, stated that the March 10 agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF does not require months to implement, but rather a genuine will to do so. He confirmed that there has been no progress in implementing the agreement thus far.
He added that the Syrian government still believes in reason and seeks to reach a clear solution with the SDF and to apply the terms of the agreement, relying on the political path as far as possible.
“The current problem with negotiations with the SDF is the lack of a unified vision within its leadership. Paris is ready to pressure the SDF to reach the solution that the Syrians want,” Idlibi said. He noted that what is needed now is for the SDF to come to the negotiating table through French and American mediation efforts.
On July 25, the French capital Paris hosted a meeting that included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack.
It was agreed to hold a round of consultations between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Paris as soon as possible to continue implementing the March 10 agreement.
“Autonomous Administration”: Interpretation of Integration Hinders Agreement with Damascus Enab Baladi.
Hence then, the article about autonomous administration interpretation of integration hinders agreement with damascus was published today ( ) and is available on ُEnabbaladi ( Syria ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( “Autonomous Administration”: Interpretation of Integration Hinders Agreement with Damascus )
Also on site :