Syria’s interim government has announced that it will not participate in upcoming meetings with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) scheduled to be held in Paris. This decision comes amid rising tensions between the two factions and casts uncertainty on the integration deal signed earlier this year, which aimed to bring together the SDF and the new Syrian government formed after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December.
The state news agency SANA reported on Saturday that the government insisted that any negotiations should take place in Damascus, asserting that the capital serves as the legitimate venue for all dialogues among Syrians. This reflects a desire to maintain national sovereignty and ensure that discussions about Syria’s future are centered within its borders.
The SDF has been a pivotal partner for the United States in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), particularly during the liberation of territories within Syria. The March agreement was intended to facilitate the SDF’s integration into Syria’s broader state frameworks. However, critical aspects of the integration process remain unresolved, particularly regarding the specifics of how the SDF forces will merge with Syria’s armed forces. The SDF has expressed its preference to join as a cohesive bloc, whereas the government has advocated for individual integration.
The backdrop of the stalled negotiations includes a recent Kurdish-led conference that convened various Syrian minority groups. This marked a historic step, being the first such gathering since the reshaping of the Syrian government structure following the departure of Assad. Participants at the conference championed calls for a democratic constitution that endorses a decentralized governance model, aimed at ensuring the participation and representation of all societal components in Syria.
Notably, the Syrian government has historically opposed movements toward decentralization. SANA reported remarks from an unnamed government source, suggesting that the conference was a setback to ongoing negotiation efforts, with the government firmly declining to engage in discussions that might evoke the era of the previous regime. The report further indicated that Damascus would not engage with entities it perceives as seeking to undermine its authority.
Tensions remain high, particularly following recent clashes between government forces and the SDF. The SDF has accused government-aligned factions of launching numerous attacks in northeastern Syria, expressing that continued hostilities pose a significant threat to building mutual trust and understanding.
As Syria seeks to navigate its fragmented landscape, the path toward peaceful coexistence and national unity remains fraught with challenges. The voices advocating for inclusivity and representation from diverse Syrian communities will be paramount in shaping the country’s future.
#MiddleEastNews #PoliticsNews