Elham Ahmed: Centralized rule is no longer an option for Syria
During the forum, Elham Ahmed emphasized that returning to a harsh centralized system is no longer a sustainable option. She highlighted the importance of building a decentralized system that allows regions to manage their own affairs. She also expressed hope that the conference would be held as soon as possible.
On April 16, the ninth edition of the “Sulaymaniyah Forum” kicked off at the American University, with the participation of a distinguished group of local and international leaders and officials. Held under the theme “Peace in the Region,” the forum addressed key political, security, and economic issues affecting Iraq, the region, and the world.
The forum featured the participation of Elham Ahmed, the Co-Chair of the External Relations Department of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. A full session was dedicated to discussing the Syrian situation, recent developments, and the Democratic Autonomous Administration model.
In a special statement to ANHA agency, Elham Ahmed explained that the forum primarily focused on the current geopolitical and political landscape and the prevailing power dynamics in the region and their impact on countries such as Syria. She also expressed her gratitude to former Iraqi President Barham Salih for his official invitation to participate in the forum.
Ahmed noted that during the special session on Syria, participants agreed that returning to the pre-2011 era is no longer feasible. She pointed out that there were calls for a decentralized or federal system, a vision shared by most Syrians, as it has become evident that a harsh centralized system is no longer a sustainable option.
Ahmed stressed the urgent need to build a decentralized system that enables regions to manage their own affairs and join Syria’s political framework. She affirmed that this vision originated from Syrians themselves, reflecting its significant importance.
Regarding the model of autonomous administration implemented in the North and East Syria region for the past 14 years, Ilham Ahmed stated that it represents the political will of the region’s communities. Women and various components were able to establish a participatory political administration within this model, which has attracted interest from many political powers and entities. She added, “Everyone sees the necessity for Syria to be governed in a participatory manner.”
On the sidelines of the forum, Ahmed held several meetings with political forces, which she described as positive, reflecting the importance of dialogue and cooperation in achieving peace and stability in the region.
She also touched on the ongoing discussions aimed at unifying the vision of Kurdish forces and parties in Rojava, noting that talk of a specific date for holding the national conference was only speculation and that no final date has been set. While there are differing views on how the conference should be held, she confirmed that a consensus has been reached on most points among the various parties.
Elham Ahmed expressed hope that the conference would be held as soon as possible, stating that this demand reflects the aspirations of the people. She also voiced optimism that the forces and parties will be able to unify their vision and form a committee to negotiate with the Damascus government, with the goal of securing Kurdish rights within the framework of a new Syrian constitution.
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ANHA
