Syria’s interim government and Kurdish-led SDF have signed a landmark deal for ceasefire and military integration. This agreement aims to reestablish government control over northeastern regions, grant constitutional rights to Kurds, and facilitate the return of displaced Kurds.
On Monday, Syria’s interim government established a significant agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), aimed at integrating these forces into the nation’s state structures. This historic deal includes a ceasefire and intends to merge the US-backed SDF into the Syrian military.
Under this new arrangement, the Syrian government seeks to reassert control over much of the country, particularly areas previously dominated by the Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which had been instrumental in President Bashar al-Assad’s earlier displacement.
The agreement was formalized by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. It mandates the transfer of all border crossings with Iraq and Turkey, aviation facilities, and vital oil resources in northeastern Syria under the central authority by the end of the year. This includes a shift in control over facilities housing approximately 9,000 suspected Islamic State members.
Additionally, the accord promises to recognize the Kurdish people’s constitutional rights, allowing them to use and teach their language, which had faced prohibition for decades under Assad’s regime. Furthermore, it is expected to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Kurds to their homes, significantly impacting the region’s demographic landscape.
In summary, the newly signed agreement between Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led SDF is a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict, facilitating the integration of Kurdish forces into the Syrian army and reinstating central government control over crucial regions. This deal also aims to provide constitutional rights to the Kurdish population and restore their use of the Kurdish language while enabling the return of displaced individuals from the civil war.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
