Ilham Ahmed: All parties must participate in drafting Syria’s constitution

Speaking on the second day of the Sulaymaniyah Forum, Ilham Ahmed addressed the situation in Syria, the form of governance, attacks on North and East Syria, and the challenges facing the Autonomous Administration.

At the beginning of her remarks, Ilham Ahmed stressed that returning to the pre-2011 era is not an option, as centralized systems only deepen crises rather than resolve them. She highlighted the importance of acknowledging Syria’s diversity and ensuring the rights of the Kurds and all components in the constitution.

She explained that rejecting decentralization would lead to new conflicts and noted that most Syrians do not want a centralized system. She said: “The people of Syria previously demanded decentralization. Rejecting it means creating new problems. Decentralization is the solution to the current crisis, and rejecting it is a step backward. Syria needs new solutions to move forward.”

She emphasized the importance of involving all parties in drafting the constitution and governance in order to help build a democratic Syria, adding: “We want to participate in drafting the constitution and governance. The Syrian people are determined to fight for their freedom and dignity, and they will not give up on their goals.”

Regarding agreements between the Damascus authority and the Autonomous Administration, she explained that they are seeking deeper agreements concerning the constitutional and political process and the reconstruction of Syria.

Ilham Ahmed also discussed the agreement between the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, and the head of the Damascus authority, Ahmad al-Shara’. She emphasized that this agreement was important for the various components of Syria and dismissed accusations that the Autonomous Administration is seeking separation.

Regarding the attacks on North and East Syria and the resistance of the military forces, Ilham Ahmed stated that the struggle led by the Syrian Democratic Forces is a fight for the freedom and dignity of the people of North and East Syria and that their resistance will continue until these goals are achieved.

She affirmed that the revolution in NE Syria is a people’s revolution and a movement toward building a democratic, multicultural society, which gives hope to the Syrian people for a better future.

Speaking about the challenges faced by the Autonomous Administration, she said: “These challenges will not make us retreat, they will only increase our determination and resolve to achieve our goals. It is the hope of building a better future that drives our struggle, and we will continue fighting until we reach our goals.”

Ilham Ahmed also addressed the experience of South Kurdistan’s federal model, stating that it is an important experience in Kurdish history and for the countries where Kurds live. However, she emphasized that the situation of Kurds and the geopolitical conditions in Syria are different from this experience, and these differences must be taken into account.

It is worth mentioning that the ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum continues its second day at the American University in the city of Sulaymaniyah.

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ANHA