Damascus Reaffirms Uncompromising Rejection of Federalism Amid Talks with SDF
Syria to SDF: "No federalism, no partition - join state institutions." Reiterates Kurds are part of nation but rejects autonomy. Demands army integration, return of govt services to Western Kurdistan. Warns against foreign influence.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Syrian government has reiterated its firm and unwavering rejection of any form of federalism or partition, even as it welcomed the ongoing process of implementing the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it says must serve the unity and territorial integrity of the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and published by the official SANA news agency, the government in Damascus declared that while it supports efforts to restore national stability through dialogue with the SDF, it remains fully committed to the founding principle of “One Syria, One Army, One Government.”
“The Syrian state renews its absolute and categorical rejection of any form of division or federalism,” the statement read, describing such structures as “contrary to the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic and the unity of its soil.”
Warning Against Delays and External Agendas
The government emphasized that any delay in implementing the signed agreements “does not serve the national interest” and only further complicates the situation on the ground. It warned that reliance on “separatist projects or foreign agendas” is a losing bet, and called instead for full reintegration into the national framework.
“The experience has shown that betting on separatist initiatives or external agendas is a failed wager,” the statement noted, stressing that only a unified national identity and commitment to the Syrian state can lead to a sustainable solution.
Kurdish Component a Vital Part of Syria
The Syrian government also stressed that the Kurdish component remains a historic and integral part of the Syrian nation, and affirmed that the rights of all Syrians are protected “within the institutions of the state—not outside them.”
SDF Integration Must Be Within National Army
While acknowledging the difficulties faced by some factions within the SDF, Damascus stated that the Syrian army remains the sole national military institution, and welcomed the integration of SDF fighters under its command—provided that it occurs within Syria’s constitutional and legal frameworks.
Return of State Institutions to Northeast
The statement called for the return of official government institutions to northeast Syria (Western Kurdistan), including health, education, and administrative bodies, to fill the current governance vacuum and restore public services.
Call for National Unity
In its closing remarks, Damascus extended an appeal to all Syrian national forces to “unify ranks and work jointly under the banner of the homeland,” distancing themselves from narrow factionalism or foreign influence in the pursuit of “a secure, unified, and sovereign Syria.”
