Negotiations between NE Syria, transitional government central to Raqqa's meeting

The Relations Office of the SDC, in coordination with political parties, organized an expanded meeting in the town of Hazimah in Raqqa canton. The meeting included representatives from political parties, the Zenobia Women’s Gathering Council, a number of teachers, the co-chairs of the Northern Line Administration, members of the People’s Municipality, and local commune members, to discuss current political developments and the future of Syria in light of ongoing political resolution initiatives.

The meeting began with a minute of silence. Then, Mohammed Ali, a member of the SDC Relations Office, spoke and stated: “Syria has suffered for decades from authoritarianism, which led to destruction and bloodshed since the era of Hafez al-Assad and continuing under his son.”

He noted that Syria had been moving toward democracy for seventy years, but the ruling regime stood in the way of this path.

He explained that “talks about decentralization or federalism in Syria provoke many interpretations, but what matters is that Syria becomes a state for all its people, governed by a comprehensive national agreement.”

Ali pointed to the March 10 Agreement between the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, and the Head of the transitional government, Ahmad al-Sharaa, as a glimmer of hope to end the conflict and establish a political partnership that safeguards the rights of all Syrian components.

For his part, Mohammad Al-Aboud, spokesperson for the Democratic Modernity and Change Party, gave a detailed presentation on the March 10 Agreement, which includes: guaranteeing the rights of all Syrians based on merit, recognizing the cultural and civil rights of the Kurdish community, integrating civilian and military institutions within the Syrian state framework, and ensuring the return of displaced persons to their areas with necessary protection provided by the state.

Al-Aboud also noted “the success of the Autonomous Administration in organizing school examinations in North and East Syria in coordination with relevant bodies,” emphasizing their transparency, including securing exam centers, providing transportation, and preventing cheating under the supervision of ministerial observers.

He also pointed out that “the second round of negotiations, which included Mazloum Abdi, Ilham Ahmed, Abdulhamid al-Mahbash, and Fawza Youssef from the Autonomous Administration side, and representatives of the Syrian government, including Asaad al-Shibani and Marhaf Abu Qasrah, was held under international sponsorship.”

He explained that “U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack, after his initial biased remarks in favor of the Syrian government, shifted his tone and acknowledged the Syrian Democratic Forces as an essential partner in fighting terrorism and emphasized the need to integrate institutions within a unified Syria.”

The floor was then opened for discussion, with contributions focusing on the weak role of local media in covering political developments. Questions were raised about the scope of institutional integration, whether it includes only civil institutions or military ones as well. The discussions also highlighted the need to combat hate speech, particularly on virtual platforms, and the absence of active political parties within the Syrian government.

In response, Mohammad Al-Aboud affirmed that “Mazloum Abdi’s statements were clear and do not require further interpretation, and that the integration will include all institutions of the Autonomous Administration without fragmentation or discrimination.”

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hassan, another member of the SDC Relations Office, clarified that the integration process does not mean erasing identities or complete assimilation, but is rather an institutional approach built in accordance with UN Resolution 2254, which guarantees minority rights.

He noted that “the previous massacres that occurred in the coastal regions were the result of sectarian dominance,” and emphasized that decentralization represents an advanced model of governance, practiced in many countries such as the UAE and in Europe. He added that it does not imply separation from the state but rather strengthens unity through justice and power-sharing.

A-H 

ANHA