Mazloum Abdi: Revolution's goal is freedom, toppling regime is first stage

During the celebration organized by the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) on the tenth anniversary of its founding and the first commemoration of the fall of the Baathist regime, held in Al-Hasakah in the Jazira Canton, SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi delivered a speech.

Abdi considered the fall of the Baathist regime the beginning of a project for a new Syria, noting that the fall of Assad’s regime resulted from decades of struggle by all Syrian components and their determination.

The revolution’s goal is Freedom and toppling Assad was the first stage

He added: “But the fall of Assad is just the first stage of the revolution. Syrians’ happiness lies in achieving their demands. The goal of removing the regime was to build a new system based on freedom. To achieve the revolution’s objectives, we must reach a new system founded on freedom.”

Abdi highlighted that the Baath regime was authoritarian and single-party, and in response, Syrians themselves should govern and rebuild Syria with all its components.

He pointed out that the international community welcomed the fall of the Baath Party, giving Syria a chance to take its new place regionally and internationally, stating: “We know that it is the internal Syrian front that will place Syria in its proper position.”

March 10 Agreement provisions are historic and a foundation for Syria’s strength

He added: “Last year, to achieve a new Syria through agreements, we engaged with the transitional government to halt the war and create stability to build the new Syria. As a result, and with the help of our friends, meetings were held, and the March 10 Agreement was signed, which we have been implementing since then.”

Abdi emphasized: “The March 10 Agreement is the foundation for the new Syria. Its provisions are historic and will be the basis of Syria’s strength. The international and regional community supports this agreement, and we, as the SDF and the Autonomous Administration, are more committed than anyone, knowing that it is the foundation of the new Syria.”

We are determined to proceed in the agreement despite challenges and hate speech

He noted: “There are challenges. Syria is emerging from war, and there are fears of new conflicts. Challenges continue, and hate speech exists. Some aim to block this agreement and prevent its success, but we are determined to move forward, cooperating with our allies in the international coalition, the Kurdish population in other areas, and the region’s peoples. This stage is difficult, but we are progressing. Some ask if it will be resolved by the end of the year, but I say we have not set a deadline; what matters is progress in negotiations.”

Neighboring countries are also concerned with the March 10 Agreement

He added: “This is a sensitive stage. Neighboring countries are also concerned with these agreements. They are no longer against us as before, and the presence of the SDF is not a reason for war. We are ready to resolve issues according to the March 10 Agreement and seek support from everyone. We agreed as the SDF and Internal Security Forces, and our delegations are discussing the details.”

Abdi expressed hope that Syrians would receive good news before the new year regarding a military agreement in Syria, noting that other political and administrative steps concerning the Kurds also require time.

Regions have the right to Autonomous Administration after their sacrifices

He continued: “In administration, regarding the region’s components, including Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Hasakah, we want the future of these areas in the hands of their people, working within this framework without external management. The people of the region have the right to self-administer after their sacrifices. Therefore, in moving toward a solution with Damascus, we must work together in northern and eastern Syria, making our response and our peoples’ demands clear.”

Kurdish parties have long struggled for their rights

Regarding the Kurdish component, Abdi said: “Kurdish parties, which are nationalist, have long worked to attain their rights. The March 10 Agreement clarified that the constitution would be amended to guarantee the rights of Kurds and other Syrian components, including religious and non-ethnic demands. These rights were a key article of the agreement.”

Those who seek war and use hate speech will fail 

The General Commander of the SDF addressed hate speech: “Those who seek war and use hate speech will fail. Syrians want solutions, not wars, and such attempts will be futile.”

Integration will change much

He added: “Overall, many changes are happening. Integration will transform administration and political parties, offering North and East Syria’s components a strong reference to move forward, overcome negatives, and begin a new stage that can serve as a model for all Syrian provinces.”

SDC will play its role in building Syria’s future

The General Commander of the SDF concluded: “Ten years of SDC’s work occurred during times of sectarianism, racial wars, and terrorism, without a shared vision. SDC brought a new policy and discourse, playing a role in achieving stability in the region and across Syria. Based on ten years of experience, we are entering a new stage, and SDC will play its new role in building Syria’s future.”

A-H 

ANHA