AANES confirms what was attributed to Iham Ahmed is baselessness

The Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria issued a clarifying statement today regarding the remarks made by the co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department, Ilham Ahmed, to NTV. She clarified that Ilham Ahmed's statements, specifically regarding the issue of Syrian refugees, were taken out of their proper context, which sparked a wave of controversy and confusion among public opinion.

And it was stated in the clarification text:

 The co-chair of the External Relations Department in the Autonomous Administration, Ms. Ilham Ahmed, made statements to the German NTV website addressing a number of urgent issues on the Syrian scene that require international cooperation, foremost among them the issue of Syrian refugees, which has resurfaced due to a series of decisions and measures taken by many European governments recently in this regard, as well as the repercussions of the ongoing war in Lebanon on this file, which forced thousands of Syrians to flee and return to their homeland.

But, unfortunately, the statements of Ms. Ilham Ahmed, specifically regarding the issue of Syrian refugees, were taken out of their proper context, sparking a wave of controversy and confusion among public opinion. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify that what was attributed to her,that the Autonomous Administration is ready to welcome Syrians convicted of crimes or suspected of them without restrictions or conditions is inaccurate. This statement has no basis in reality, as Ahmed's remarks were about Syrian refugees wishing to voluntarily return to the regions of North and East Syria.

Ahmed's statements on this matter come in line with the previous and public calls of the Autonomous Administration, which has repeatedly expressed its readiness to cooperate and fulfill all humanitarian responsibilities regarding the Syrian refugee issue wherever they may be. From this standpoint, it has engaged with the United Nations and all relevant international bodies to find reasonable solutions that alleviate the suffering of Syrians in exile and provide opportunities for those wishing to return voluntarily and safely to the regions of North and East Syria.

At the same time that the Autonomous Administration expresses its sincere desire to cooperate with the international community on this sensitive and thorny issue, it fully understands that these proposed solutions remain temporary and based on purely humanitarian motives, and that a permanent solution to this matter is only possible within the framework of a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis. But in light of the absence of any signs of a political solution in Syria in the foreseeable future, we find ourselves compelled, based on our humanitarian and national responsibilities, to take some necessary steps regarding those urgent issues that cannot tolerate further delay and postponement, such as the issue of Syrian refugees.

In order to achieve these goals, it is essential for the international community to contribute to supporting the autonomous administration's efforts regarding the Syrian refugee issue, by supporting local communities within Syria to be able to rise, and providing basic services and infrastructure that enable Syrians to have opportunities for a dignified life in their country to reduce the phenomenon of migration. At the same time, it is important to gather support and cooperation to ensure the voluntary return of all Syrian refugees who wish to return.

The Autonomous Administration reiterates that providing a safe environment for the return of Syrian refugees is a fundamental condition that aligns with international decisions regarding the rights of refugees, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention, which stipulates that voluntary return must occur under conditions that ensure dignity and safety.

 And we know that to achieve all these conditions, it is necessary to give importance to the Syrian file and provide the necessary channels for effective international and regional cooperation with local communities, in addition to adopting a comprehensive political solution based on the United Nations resolutions regarding Syria that ensures peace and stability for all Syrians. Based on these conditions, the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria can play an effective role in receiving refugees wishing to return voluntarily with dignity and safety. However, until these fundamental and appropriate conditions are met, the Autonomous Administration will spare no effort in fulfilling its humanitarian and moral responsibilities regarding the refugee issue, which it is currently doing, despite all the challenges and obstacles, by receiving and securing Syrian refugees fleeing the ongoing war in Lebanon.

 T/ Satt.

ANHA