Mohammed Ali: January 29th Agreement adopted in response to various political, international developments

The civil organization "Bil", in collaboration with the Relations Office of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), organized a dialogue seminar on Sunday in Qamishlo to discuss the January 29th Agreement and its significance in the current political stage.

The seminar was held at the Zana Hall in Qamishlo, attended by representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, women's movements, intellectuals, and lawyers. It began with a speech delivered by Khalaf Ma' ou, the communications officer at the "Bil" Organization, who emphasized the significance of the agreement and the circumstances accompanied its conclusion.

The seminar was conducted as an open dialogue with Hassen Mohamed Ali, the co-chair of the Relations Office at the Syrian Democratic Council, who emphasized that there are "objective necessities and Kurdish-specific requirements" that have driven the effort to reach the agreement.

Mohamed Ali stated that the period following the collapse of the Syrian regime has imposed a new trajectory, requiring the participation of all Syrian components in shaping the country's future. He added: "The Autonomous Administration, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the Syrian Democratic Council shared a vision for building a new Syria based on partnership and pluralism, with the involvement of all Syrians, particularly the Kurdish people."

He noted that the political developments in Syria over the past period, coupled with regional and international changes, have imposed a new reality that demands distinct political solutions, explaining that international priorities have shifted from combating ISIS mercenaries to advancing its interests through state restructuring.

He emphasized that returning to the centralized model in place before 2011 is no longer feasible, noting that the political and administrative experience developed in North and East Syria over the past years has become an integral part of the new Syrian reality.

Negotiation and Kurdish representation issues

Mohamed Ali clarified that the ongoing discussions with Damascus primarily focus on constitutional issues, Kurdish representation, and safeguarding the rights of various components. He noted that the agreement has shifted the relationship between the parties from a framework based on imposing de facto arrangements to one centered on political negotiation.

He added that significant progress has been made in both the military and security sectors, explaining that efforts are underway to integrate approximately ten thousand personnel from the Internal Security Forces into the new security structures, while ensuring the region's privacy and involving its residents in these institutions.

Regarding the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), he noted that this issue is still under discussion with the Interim Government, explaining that efforts focus on developing a framework that ensures the preservation of these units' role and status within any future military structure.

Maintaining the Autonomous Administration institutions

Regarding the institutions issue, Mohamed Ali emphasized that the integration process requires time as well as political and administrative alignment, noting a commitment to preserving the expertise and experiences accumulated by the Autonomous Administration institutions over the past years.

He stated: "We strive to integrate our expertise, diversity, and cultural heritage into the state institutions, thereby contributing to their development and strengthening the democratic nature within them."

He added that discussions are ongoing regarding issues related to education, the Kurdish language, and the Autonomous Administration's curriculum, confirming that these matters will form an integral part of the negotiation process among the involved parties.

January 29th Agreement and the future of Syria

Mohamad Ali emphasized that the January 29th Agreement must become a constitutional basis for building Syria's future, stating: "If we wish to move towards a new Syria, we must make the January 29th Agreement a cornerstone for its establishment."

He further added that the next phase requires sustained political efforts to translate the achieved gains and political agreements into constitutional provisions that safeguard the rights of all Syrian l components within the framework of a democratic, pluralistic state.

The seminar concluded by opening the door to discussion for all attendees, during which a series of questions were raised regarding the future of the political process and the prospects for implementing the agreement in practice.

ANHA