“Kurdish forces to join Defense Ministry, Kurds integral to Syrian fabric”, says Ahmed al-Sharaa
He added that discussions continue with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF - Hêzên Sûriya Demokratîk) to address the issues in northeastern Syria.
Dec. 29, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Sunday, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Commander of Syria's New Administration, announced during a television interview with al-Arabiya, that "the Syrian Ministry of Defense plans to include Kurdish forces into its ranks."
During the interview, al-Sharaa explained that there are ongoing negotiations regarding northeastern Syria's challenges, stressing that "Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian fabric."
He stressed that there will be “no division of Syria in any form.”
He added that discussions continue with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF - Hêzên Sûriya Demokratîk) to address the issues in northeastern Syria.
He also reiterated that “We will not allow Syria to become a launching pad for PKK attacks”, highlighting the concerns of Syria’s northern neighbor, Turkey.
Looking ahead to Syria's political future, al-Sharaa provided a timeline for two decisive developments.
He specified that "the preparation and drafting of a new Syrian constitution might take approximately three years," while noting that "the implementation of elections could require up to four years."
This announcement comes amid enduring tensions regarding the status of Kurdish forces in Syria, in particular the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have kept autonomous control over parts of northeastern Syria since the start of the Syrian civil war.
The integration of Kurdish forces into Syria's official military structure would signify a noteworthy change in the relationship between Damascus and the Kurdish-administered regions.
The statement about constitutional reform and elections also indicates possible progress in Syria's political transition process, though the stretched timeline hints at complex challenges ahead.