Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh residents: Agreement brings security, stability

On April 1, the General Council of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods signed an agreement with the Damascus authority, consisting of 14 articles, all aimed at protecting the region’s geography and the communities residing within it.

The residents of the two neighborhoods commended the agreement, stating that it is the outcome of long years of struggle and has the potential to achieve peace and security in the region if its terms are translated into concrete actions on the ground.

Citizen Mohammad Ali described the agreement as "positive," saying, "It will contribute to enhancing stability in the region, and we hope that the provisions will be translated into tangible actions on the ground."

Ali highlighted the key factors that led both parties to sign the agreement, stating, "This agreement did not emerge out of nowhere; it is the result of long years of struggle and resilience against attempts at annihilation, breaking the will, spreading discord, and creating chaos—whether at the hands of Turkish occupation mercenaries or the defunct Baath regime."

He further explained, "We are against the language of weapons and resort to them only in defense of our land and existence. We must also acknowledge the struggle of women and their prominent role in bringing the neighborhoods to this stage of progress and achievement."

Citizen Lazkin Abdo believes that "the agreement signed between the General Council of the two neighborhoods and the Damascus authority will put an end to decades of wars and bloodshed and erase the suffering endured by the region’s residents, provided it is implemented correctly without any violations or breaches of its provisions."

Abdo expressed hope that "such agreements will be extended to other areas of Syria so that we can move the country towards reform and reconstruction instead of being occupied with further wars. We reject the language of violence and aspire to build a free democratic nation where justice and gender equality prevail."

Meanwhile, Dalal Mohammad pointed out that the agreement will strengthen the spirit of solidarity and ensure the rights of all communities residing in the two neighborhoods. She stated, "We have faced numerous attacks and stood resilient against them. We will continue our struggle and establish agreements until we reclaim our region, Afrin, from the hands of the occupiers."

A-H

ANHA