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Mazloum Abdi: "SDF" Will Be Part of the Syrian Army
The Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, announced important developments regarding recent talks between delegations from the "Autonomous Administration" and the Syrian regime. He confirmed that a "preliminary agreement" has been reached on several key issues, including a comprehensive ceasefire and continued high-level dialogue.
In a special interview with the Kurdish channel "Ronahi," Abdi indicated that the initial meetings discussed political and security topics, noting that he met separately with the Minister of Defense and the head of intelligence services in Damascus. He explained that there are preliminary understandings around the principle of decentralized governance, with detailed discussions on the terminology of this concept.
On the military side, Abdi mentioned that there is a verbal consensus on integrating the SDF into the Syrian army. Damascus expressed interest in benefiting from the experience of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and a military committee from internal security will be sent to the capital to follow up on this matter. He also noted ongoing negotiations to establish a joint force between the SDF and the Syrian army to combat ISIS, a step that aims to strengthen national unity in facing security threats.
Regarding political issues, Abdi confirmed that there are understandings to include provisions of the "March 10 Agreement" in the new Syrian constitution, with upcoming sessions in Damascus to discuss necessary constitutional amendments. He also emphasized that the files of strategically vital areas such as Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hassakeh are directly linked to the future of the governance system in Syria, and any withdrawal from these regions is not on the table. Representatives from Raqqa nuclei and Deir ez-Zor will participate in upcoming meetings to develop a unified vision.
On the issue of returnees, Abdi called on the residents of Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tal Abyad to prepare for their return. He assured that the international coalition and the United States are committed to following up on the files of the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo, and that the April agreement regarding these neighborhoods must be properly enacted.
In conclusion, he emphasized that dialogue with Damascus focuses on finding a comprehensive Syrian-Syrian solution, and that channels of communication with Turkey remain open. He expressed Turkey’s readiness to support agreements if it wishes to do so.
It is worth noting that the first meeting between the regime and the SDF took place in Damascus on October 7, amidst the presence of international officials, including U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Brack and CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper, along with a delegation from the "Autonomous Administration" headed by Mazloum Abdi, Ilham Ahmad, and Roahlat Afrin. Syrian Foreign Minister Mureff Abu Kasra stated that both sides agreed on a "comprehensive ceasefire," which will be implemented immediately.
The "Autonomous Administration" also indicated that the discussions covered constitutional, security, and humanitarian files aimed at expanding stability in Syria. They praised the support of France and the United States within efforts to unify the visions of the government and the "Autonomous Administration," amid rising military tensions in various regions of the country.
