AANES deems "victory" conference as "illegal"

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has denounced the recent "Victory" conference held in Damascus, during which Ahmad al-Sharaa was appointed as Syria’s transitional president, labeling the event as "illegal."

In an official statement released on Sunday, AANES asserted that the conference, conducted without the participation of any political, revolutionary, or popular forces, is "incomplete."

The statement emphasized that the most viable solution to Syria’s ongoing instability lies in convening an inclusive national conference that brings together all Syrian factions without exclusion.

The statement further criticized the event, particularly due to the presence of individuals “accused of committing crimes against the Syrian people,” such as Ahmad Ihsan Fayadh al-Hayes (known as Abu Hatem Shaqra) and Mohammad Hussein al-Jasim (Abu Amsha), both of whom have been linked to acts of “violence and killings.” AANES underscored that such gatherings fail to represent the aspirations of Syria’s diverse communities.

Additionally, the Self-Administration urged the authorities in Damascus to "rectify the mistake" by uniting Syrians from all backgrounds and political affiliations in a comprehensive national conference. This initiative, they argued, should facilitate the drafting of a new constitution and the organization of parliamentary and presidential elections.

The statement also warned against the dangers of hate speech and incitement, which threaten social harmony and coexistence among Syria’s various components. It reiterated that building a unified and democratic Syria requires the inclusion of all voices without marginalization.

In concluding the statement, the Self-Administration reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty. It called for the active participation of all Syrian factions in shaping the country’s future based on democratic and decentralized principles.