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Mazloum Abdi Meets Delegation from Damascus to Follow Up on Agreement with the Syrian Government
The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, revealed the key features of the recent agreement with the Syrian government, indicating that the upcoming phase will involve practical steps aimed at integrating the "Self-Administration" institutions within state institutions and forming a unified delegation to represent the region in negotiations with Damascus.
In an interview with "The Monitor" website, Abdi explained that ongoing discussions with the Syrian government focused on reaching a form of local governance in northeastern Syria, with some Kurdish parties leaning towards a federal option. He announced preparations for a conference to bring together all Kurdish parties in order to formulate a united political stance.
Separately, Abdi confirmed that the agreement concerning the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods in Aleppo is a temporary arrangement that will be annulled upon reaching a comprehensive political agreement with Damascus. He noted that the agreement regarding the Al-Thawra Dam addressed technical and military aspects, and coordination was made with the government to maintain the current personnel to ensure continuity of operations.
He also highlighted the agreement that stipulates the SDF's withdrawal to the east, in exchange for the deployment of Syrian government forces to serve as a buffer zone between them and the "National Army factions," aiming to halt previous escalations and create a more stable environment.
Abdi considered that the agreement with President Ahmed al-Shara contributed to easing Turkey’s preconditions regarding the SDF, praising the acceptance of the idea of integrating forces into Syrian state institutions. He mentioned that the atmosphere of his meeting with al-Shara was friendly, with a respectful reception.
Abdi ruled out that Turkey was aware of the details of the agreement made in Damascus, confirming that discussions took place confidentially for three hours before signing, and that the agreement reflects a common vision resulting from those talks.
Regarding the American role, Abdi denied any direct U.S. involvement in the agreement, excluding its role as a logistical facilitator in reaching Damascus, and emphasized that Washington supports the agreement as it contributes to stability in the region.
He added that the SDF does not seek to form a parallel army but wishes to integrate into the new Syrian national army while preserving its organizational identity and combat experience gained during battles against ISIS. He also asserted that their "red lines" include rejecting the concentration of administrative power in Damascus and the necessity of having a unified army that represents all Syrians.
In response to a question about the status of Arabs within the SDF, Abdi confirmed that there is no objection from the Syrian government to their presence, noting that President al-Shara mentioned the importance of relinquishing control over predominantly Arab areas, but this is not currently a priority.
In conclusion, Abdi emphasized the need to distinguish the Alawite community, as an integral part of the Syrian fabric, from the remnants of the Assad regime, who seek to obstruct the new path. He stressed that attempts by the remnants of the ousted regime to return to power are doomed to failure, with the SDF committed to supporting the transformation process in Syria as outlined in the March 10 agreement.
