Ilham Ahmed: Ceasefire agreement to be implemented next Monday

An agreement was announced today between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian interim government, aiming for a comprehensive ceasefire and the start of a new phase of political and military understandings. In this context, Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Department of External Relations of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, held a press conference via Zoom in which she reviewed the terms of the agreement, its background, and its objectives.

At the beginning of her remarks, Ilham Ahmed extended greetings to the Kurdish people and their friends in Kurdistan and around the world, praising the state of mobilization and support which, she said, helped draw attention to the suffering of the region and achieve tangible results. She stressed that the primary goal of the agreement is to stop bloodshed and limit acts of genocide against the Kurds.

Ahmed confirmed that work on implementing the agreement’s provisions will begin next Monday, with intensified efforts to ensure success despite possible attempts by some parties to undermine it.

She noted that all Kurdish parties and friends of the Kurds were informed of the agreement’s content, emphasizing that Kurdish forces in the region and in Southern Kurdistan, along with other regional political forces, were an essential part of the agreement and directly participated in reaching it, playing a key role in advancing and coordinating its terms.

Ahmed explained that the first provision of the agreement is a comprehensive ceasefire, to take effect with the withdrawal of all military forces from both sides to their main bases away from the front lines. The agreement also provides for the formation of three military brigades to be stationed in Hasakah and Kobani.

On the security level, she pointed to coordination between security forces: Internal Security Forces will remain in their areas to maintain security, while forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior will enter Hasakah and Qamishlo for a limited period to organize the integration process.

She acknowledged that this step may raise concerns among residents but stressed that its aim is to facilitate integration, noting that the forces and their commanders will be from the local population.

On institutions, Ahmed affirmed that the institutions of the Autonomous Administration will be integrated into Syrian state institutions without any change, with officials and employees remaining in their positions. She added that all institutional staff, including border guards, will be from the local population.

On education, Ahmed stated that high school and university certificates issued in North and East Syria will be officially recognized, noting that a special decree will be issued soon. She added that discussions are ongoing on curricula and teaching mechanisms in order to reach a consensual formula.

Ahmed stressed that the agreement represents a transition from a phase of defense and sacrifice to a new phase aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of thousands of martyrs and legally securing rights within Syria. She emphasized that they will be part of any future political process related to drafting the constitution or rebuilding Syrian state institutions.

She also addressed the issue of displaced persons, confirming the return of residents of Sere Kaniye, Gire Spi, and Afrin, with future steps planned to ensure safe returns.

Ahmed noted that the agreement enjoys international and regional support, including from France and the United States, considering this support an important factor in safeguarding rights, including Kurdish identity and Kurdish rights in the future Syrian constitution.

In response to a question about the Semalka border crossing, Ahmed confirmed it will remain open and that no negative position has been issued by the interim government on its continuation. She said employees will continue their work within an official framework under the state.

On guarantees against repeated ceasefire violations, Ahmed explained that countries including France and the United States played a role in the agreement and will issue official statements in the coming days about their role as mediators to ensure its implementation. She added that monitoring and follow-up mechanisms were a central focus of discussions, including the withdrawal of forces away from contact lines.

Assessing the US role, Ahmed said the United States did not play the expected role at this stage and that some positions regarding the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces had a negative impact. However, she pointed to other positions within the US, including that of Senator Lindsey Graham, which she described as positive in protecting the region.

She stressed that the United States, given its role in Syria, is required to play a positive role in monitoring the agreement’s implementation and in following up on mechanisms for lifting Caesar Act sanctions, which she described as essential for the success of the agreement and future stability.

Ahmed also noted ongoing efforts in the US to pass a Kurdish Protection Law, stressing that the recent agreement does not contradict these efforts but complements them, and that Congressional action is necessary to ensure implementation and legally secure Kurdish rights in Syria’s future.

In response to journalists’ questions, Ahmed said she met with Turkish officials the previous day, who informed her that Turkish forces had withdrawn from Afrin and Sere Kaniye and were no longer present there. She added that work will be done to return displaced people and enable local residents to manage institutions themselves.

On Kobani, Ahmed said the city will officially be administratively affiliated with Aleppo Governorate, with a Kobani brigade designated within the Aleppo Division. She confirmed that institutions in Kobani will continue to operate normally and that official appointments will be announced within the state framework.

She concluded by confirming that Kurdish rights in the Syrian constitution will be discussed during the upcoming visit of the Kurdish delegation to Damascus, referring to the delegation emerging from the Conference on Kurdish Unity of Position and Rank.

ANHA