Ilham Ahmed reveals DAA's red lines in any negotiations and dialogue

In a dialogue session on "Understandings between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Syrian government" in the city of Al-Hasakah, attended by a number of intellectuals and those interested in political affairs, Ilham Ahmed said: "The agreement includes many aspects that affect society as a whole, whether in North and East Syria or the Syrian geography. Therefore, this agreement has many points branching out from it, which require extensive discussions to reach broader understandings within the Syrian framework as a whole."

Ilham Ahmed pointed out that there are observations regarding the performance of the Damascus authorities, particularly regarding the "Constitutional Declaration" process, as well as the "government formation," and that these observations need to be addressed. She continued, "The administration in Damascus is responsible for answering the questions of Syrian society and Syrian communities regarding the constitutional provisions."

Ilham Ahmed continued, "We also saw the issuance of the interim "Constitutional Declaration" immediately after the agreement. Despite this, we have observations about it, and we are continuing to communicate to discuss these points." Ilham Ahmed noted that the "Constitutional Declaration" was completed before the agreement, and after the announcement of the agreement, the "Constitutional Declaration" was announced. She continued, "It was possible to postpone the declaration to discuss the drafting committee and its provisions, because the Constitutional Committee did not represent the majority of Syrian society."

Ilham Ahmed explained, "Everyone knows that the Constitutional Committee and the provisions included in the constitution do not represent the hopes and demands of the Syrian people."

Regarding the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Ilham Ahmed said, "What was announced between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Damascus authorities was a general agreement that guarantees a framework of principles. When committees are formed, representatives from the various components will be present, and they will be civilian political committees."

Regarding the committees and their timing, Ilham Ahmed said, "With regard to the formation of the committees, we have not yet passed this stage. There was one meeting between Damascus and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, and general points were discussed regarding the start date of negotiations."

Ilham Ahmed added, "We are seriously focusing on implementing the provisions of the agreement, with an emphasis on the ramifications of these provisions to reassure the public in general and achieve a new Syria."

Ilham Ahmed pointed out that the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria have, over the past years, been able to build a rich legacy, both administratively and in terms of diversity, protecting human rights and political principles, and keeping pace with the cultural, legal, and humanitarian heritage. She continued, "The influence of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Autonomous Administration is strong in the Syrian reality, and the gains are also rich."

She continued, "When we talk about a transitional process, we are talking about the rights of all Syrians, not just those in the North and East of Syria."

We need a system free from tyranny and racism.

Ilham Ahmed said, "We need a system free from tyranny, racism, and sectarianism. Rather, we need a system that protects the rights of all the Syrian people."

Ilham Ahmed noted that the steps taken by the Damascus authorities were hasty, and many of them were not well-considered, and that a large percentage of the Syrian people and their components, especially women, were excluded.

Ilham Ahmed explained that Syrians urgently need to change the previous Syrian constitution, as well as the current "Constitutional Declaration," to prevent Syria from being exposed to further crises.

Ilham Ahmed emphasized that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) constitute a guarantor of a correct and just transitional process in Syria. She continued, "There are attempts to implement the terms of the agreement to achieve a sound state in Syria. This may take time and open up new horizons for the process of change. The coming days will determine whether the process of change occurs or not."

Regarding the institutions of the Damascus government in the North and East Syria region, and their cessation with the fall of the Ba'athist regime, Ilham Ahmed said: "These institutions were previously run by the previous government in Damascus. After the regime's collapse, these institutions ceased to function because the new administration did not care about their management. All of these matters are subject to negotiation and will be addressed, and the future form of these institutions will be agreed upon."

The Red Lines of the Autonomous Administration in the Administration of North and East Syria

Regarding the red lines that the Democratic Autonomous Administration refuses to waive, Ilham Ahmed said: "The cultural and ethnic rights of the components, religious freedoms, the right to education in the mother tongue, political rights, and the decentralized administrative system cannot be waived. These matters cannot be compromised or waived, and the basic points that will be agreed upon will remain, in addition to internal security and economic matters, all of which include the administrative system."

Ilham Ahmed explained that the administrative system is participatory, meaning that decentralization is not based on ethnicity, but rather will be within the framework of an administrative system in which all components participate, as is the model of the Democratic Autonomous Administration.

The Necessity of Continuing to Make Changes to the Interim Syrian Constitution

Ilham Ahmed emphasized the necessity of insisting and continuing to demand the necessary amendments in order to achieve a constitution that is just for all Syrian society. She continued, "This requires working within the framework of political activities, whether by political organizations or civil society organizations."

The Key Partners in Building the Autonomous Administration Have the Right

She emphasized that the primary partners in building the Autonomous Administration are the rightful owners and have a fully effective role in the political process. Any political process that includes the components of North and East Syria is included in the negotiations and has a role in establishing their legal role.

The risks to Syria still exist... and stability has not been achieved in Syria

Ilham Ahmed explained: "The risks still exist, and the concerns are also present, especially since Syria has not achieved the desired stability. There is tension, external interference in Syrian affairs, and ongoing threats." She continued, "We are seeking to communicate with international bodies to ensure that their agreements and understandings are far removed from the Syrian people or any component of Syria."

Ilham Ahmed explained that through diplomatic communication and the reality imposed in the region, the Autonomous Administration will work to preserve the security and stability of the region.

The ceasefire clause is one of the key provisions between the SDF and the Damascus government.

Regarding the ceasefire clause currently being discussed between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Turkey, Ilham Ahmed said: "We seek to have good neighborly relations with Syria's neighboring countries, and Turkey is one of the key countries. We do not want any conflict between us. Rather, we seek multi-level relations and understanding with the aim of ensuring the security of Turkey and Syria."

Ilham Ahmed, the co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, called on Turkey to be careful and not encroach on Syrian territory or the security of the region's residents. She also called on Turkey to maintain a ceasefire, considering it a very important process for establishing stability throughout Syria.

The American Role in the De-escalation Process between North and East Syria

Ilham Ahmed said: "The Americans are playing a role in the de-escalation process between the Autonomous Administration and Turkey, and the American role is very important. There is a calm between the parties so far, and we seek to continue this calm and to halt all hostile operations, whether by Turkey or the groups affiliated with it."

Regarding the peace process in Turkey, Ilham Ahmed said, "The initiative launched by Leader Abdullah Ocalan is very important, and we hope for an effective response from the Turkish authorities. There has been a slow response to this initiative. The Turkish government is primarily responsible for developing Leader Abdullah Ocalan's process, and responding to it is very important and will have positive effects on the Syrian arena and neighboring countries."

Return of the Forced Displaced to Their Homelands

Regarding the issue of those forcibly displaced from their homes due to the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries, Ilham Ahmed said, "We are working on the voluntary return of the people of Afrin, Serekaniye/Ras al-Ain, and Tal Abyad to their hometowns, but we are waiting for security guarantees in those areas to prevent them from being subjected to violations or arrests."

Ilham Ahmed indicated that they are communicating with relevant parties, including international powers, international organizations, and official bodies in Damascus, to ensure a safe situation for the displaced. She continued, "We are working with all our efforts to achieve this step at the appropriate time for the return of the displaced and internally displaced persons in groups."

Ilham Ahmed affirmed that the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria will work by all means to return the displaced to their lands with international guarantees, while noting that ensuring a safe return is also the responsibility of the Damascus authorities.

Regarding the property of the forcibly displaced, Ilham Ahmed concluded her response to questions from participants and panelists by saying, "Those who return to their lands must have all their property returned to them, without exclusion. There are committees with all the evidence pertaining to the displaced persons' property, and this situation will be followed up with the administration in Damascus."

T/S

ANHA