Calls to expedite implementation of January 29 Agreement, reinforce components’ constitutional rights

Amid fast-changing regional and international developments, calls are growing to speed up the implementation of the January 29 Agreement. There are also demands to guarantee the political and cultural rights of the Kurdish people in the Syrian constitution.

In this context, writer and critic Abdulwahab Birani said: “Syria has experienced difficult conditions over the past years, leading to large waves of displacement and migration, as millions of Syrians were forced to leave their homes, while others left the country entirely.”

He added: “The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime represented a glimmer of hope for Syrians to enter a new phase of reconstruction and progress, but what followed did not meet expectations, as the country witnessed new waves of violence, particularly along the Syrian coast and in Sweida, in addition to attacks targeting areas of North and East Syria.”

He said these developments led to the signing of the January 29 Agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the interim government. This came “following a series of previous agreements that failed to produce tangible results, including the March 10 Agreement.”

He added: “The agreement carries a positive aspect, as it represents a step toward reducing tension and violence and opens the door to a new phase, addressing several key issues such as drafting a new constitution, the situation in camps, humanitarian conditions, detainee cases, and ensuring the rights of all Syrian components.”

However, he pointed to delays and obstacles that are slowing its implementation. He also noted the absence of a clear plan for integration.

He stressed that rising violent rhetoric is an obstacle to stability. He said the agreement is an important factor for stability, and its failure could increase tensions.

He affirmed that accelerating implementation has become urgent under current conditions because it is key to maintaining stability and preventing further conflict.

Regarding Decree No. 13, Birani said it is a positive step but still incomplete. He stressed the importance of recognizing the Kurdish language and securing Kurdish political rights in the constitution.

For his part, Mohammed Ashraf, co-chair of the Organizational Office of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Al-Hasakah, said: “The recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government is still in place, but it is progressing slowly, due to weak commitment from the interim government in implementing its terms.”

He said the detainee issue is a clear example. Some SDF prisoners are still held by the interim government, while the SDF has cleared its detention facilities.

He added: “This delay is intended to buy time.” He also pointed to parties working behind the scenes to obstruct the agreement and influence decisions.

He affirmed: “The political rights of the Kurdish people are non-negotiable, and the Autonomous Administration is continuing its efforts to ensure they are enshrined in the Syrian constitution.”

He stressed: “Decree No. 13 does not meet expectations, and symbolic rights are not sufficient. The sacrifices made by the people of Rojava require clear constitutional recognition that guarantees their national and political rights, and affirms their existence as an indigenous people living on their historical land.”

A-H 

ANHA