Fawza Youssef explains SDF–Interim government agreement

Fawza Youssef, a member of the negotiation committee representing North and East Syria in talks with the Interim Government, revealed details of the latest agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government during her participation in a program on “Al-Youm” TV channel, which was announced today.

Youssef explained that the Syrian Democratic Forces will be reorganized into military brigades, to be stationed in the Jazira and Kobani regions, alongside the withdrawal of both the SDF and Interim Government forces from the contact lines. She confirmed that guarantor parties will monitor the implementation of the agreement’s provisions.

Internal Security and Protection of Areas

She stated that the Asayish forces will be responsible for protecting areas with a Kurdish majority, while the presence of security forces affiliated with the Interim Government’s Ministry of Interior will be temporary, aimed at coordination to complete the integration process, not as a permanent presence.

She also noted that the administration of currently occupied areas such as Afrin and Serekaniye will be managed by the residents of those areas.

Administrative Aspects

Youssef explained that border crossings, the airport, and oil fields will be administered by the central authority, with the employment of local administrative staff. Licensing of media institutions in North and East Syria will be issued from Damascus.

She added that educational institutions will retain their specific character, with joint committees to be formed to discuss the continuity of the educational process, including curricula and languages of instruction, as well as the accreditation of all certificates issued by the Autonomous Administration.

ISIS File

Fawza Youssef confirmed that the Syrian Democratic Forces will continue to guard ISIS prisons, alongside the transfer of detainees to Iraq. She also clarified that the name of the governor of Hasakah has not yet been determined, noting that the deputy commander of internal security in the governorate will be appointed by the SDF.

Women’s Protection Units

Regarding the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), Youssef said they were not mentioned in the agreement, but will be addressed as a separate file in the next stage. She concluded by stressing that the agreement still requires continuous follow-up to address a number of unresolved issues.

ANHA