Syria's Druze, Kurdish administration meet, discuss 'peace, future'
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Syria's Druze and the Kurdish autonomous administration convene in the country's southern governorate of al-Suwayda to discuss the prospects of peace and stability.
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Residents of northeastern Syria walk towards the Tishrin Dam to join a sit-in demanding an end to the war in the region in Aleppo's countryside, Syria, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 (AP)
A delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), visited Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, leader of the Druze community in As-Suwayda, at his residence in Qanawat, al-Suwayda Governorate. The delegation was led by the co-chair of the council, Leyla Qaraman.
The visiting delegation, representing the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, included Ali Rahmoun, deputy co-chair of the SDC, Janda Ramo, a member of the Women's Office, and Fawzi Shankali, secretary-general of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Accord Party. Representatives from the Political Committee of the National Democratic Action group also attended the meeting.
Discussions centered on the current situation in Syria following the fall of the previous regime. According to the SDC's official website, the attendees highlighted the critical phase the country is undergoing and the challenges facing the Syrian people.
The meeting emphasized the importance of preserving civil peace and rejecting a return to violence and conflict. Attendees stressed the need for Syria's territorial integrity as an irreplaceable priority.
Future visions for rebuilding Syria were also discussed, focusing on establishing a civil and democratic state founded on principles of equal citizenship and separation of powers. The importance of separating religion from the state was highlighted as a cornerstone for achieving institutional neutrality and ensuring equality among all citizens.
The participants addressed the issue of arms control, calling for weapons to be handed over to the state, represented by legal authorities, following the formation of an inclusive transitional government and a complete cessation of hostilities nationwide.
The gathering concluded with a call to strengthen ties among Syria's diverse components and work towards convening a comprehensive national conference that guarantees representation for all segments and communities.
SDF chief calls for halt of Turkish attacks
The Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi, earlier in the day stated that "Syria has entered a new, irreversible phase, where neither the Syrian people nor international powers want a return to civil war or unrest."
In an interview with Hawar News Agency, Abdi highlighted that the SDF and representatives of northern and eastern Syria view this transition as an opportunity for a fresh start despite significant challenges, such as security voids, human rights violations, a deteriorating economy, and ongoing sanctions.
Abdi noted that "over the past 14 years, three administrations have emerged: one that has collapsed, the former regime's administration; one in eastern Euphrates; and another in western Euphrates under the interim government. In the Autonomous Administration areas, there is an active effort to build institutions, promote democracy, and play a major role in shaping the new Syria."
Regarding the continued assaults on northern and eastern Syria, Abdi remarked, "There is a stark and evident contradiction. While much of Syria is experiencing a phase of relative stability, with only minor clashes, our areas, such as Qaraqozak and Tishreen Dam, are under aerial and artillery attacks from Turkish forces."
"This inconsistency does not align with the current discourse around resolving the Syrian crisis," Abdi added, pointing to the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army’s ongoing aggression in the region.
