What SDF commander said about Kurds, Paris, and regional relations

In the second part of ANHA Agency interview, SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi responded to questions regarding Kurdish unity, prospects for resolving the Kurdish question, the anticipated—yet postponed—meeting in Paris, and the key issues that the Kurdish delegation aims to raise. He also elaborated on relations with Turkey, regional and global stakeholders, and ongoing operations against ISIS remnants.

Below is the content of the second part of the interview:

At such a critical time, the issue of Kurdish unity remains central. As is known, a conference was held in Qamishli on this matter. What is the current status of this process, what does the future hold, and have any discussions taken place with the transitional government in Damascus regarding the future of Syria in this context?

We appreciate the question. This issue continues to draw significant attention. Some believe that momentum has slowed and that the conference outcomes have not yet been implemented. However, this point must be clarified accurately. The conference was a true representation of the Kurdish people's will, with participation from all Kurdish political parties. The outcomes of the conference are a shared responsibility and not up for debate. All parties and prominent figures reached consensus on the conclusions, which have been communicated to the public. These outcomes will, of course, be placed on the table in future discussions with the government in Damascus.

The ongoing engagements between representatives of North and East Syria and the SDF with Damascus are not a substitute for this process. The March 10 agreement contains provisions concerning the Kurdish question, but the vision set forth by the conference is broader and more comprehensive. At the appropriate time, talks will be held with the Damascus government in the name of the Kurdish political parties and on behalf of the Kurdish people in Rojava, in line with the conference's conclusions.

Why has there been a delay? To be candid, a structured dialogue has not yet begun. While several meetings have taken place, they have not evolved into a sustained process. The initial plan was to address urgent matters related to North and East Syria—such as the war, ceasefire mechanisms, and practical issues. Alongside these, the delegation formed by the conference was expected to engage on the Kurdish question.

Unfortunately, this opportunity has not yet materialized. Comprehensive negotiations have not yet taken place, and no alternative reason explains the delay.

I believe that following the Paris meeting, a roadmap for this process will be laid out, allowing the Kurdish delegation to proceed with substantive discussions. When I signed the agreement with Ahmad al-Shara’, I made it clear that I was not there to negotiate or conclude agreements on behalf of the Kurdish people. Rather, I was representing broader matters related to North and East Syria.

 However, I emphasized the importance of including a provision related to the Kurdish issue, with the understanding that a comprehensive conference would be held later.

The meeting between the delegation representing North and East Syria and the Syrian transitional government was initially scheduled to take place on July 25 in Paris. However, it was postponed. What was the reason, and is there a plan to reschedule it? What topics will be discussed, and what do you hope to achieve?

The preparations for this meeting were completed both on our side and by the guarantor states. It was expected to proceed as planned, but it was postponed at the last moment. The French side officially notified us of the delay. Following that, I received a call from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who explained, “We were fully prepared, but we were also surprised—the Damascus government is preoccupied with the situation in Sweida, and therefore requested a postponement.” He expressed gratitude for our readiness and, at the same time, his regret that the meeting did not take place as scheduled. He assured us that France remains committed to ensuring that the meeting is held soon.

We also spoke with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who confirmed the same position. He expressed appreciation for our efforts, as well as regret and apologies for the delay.

Since then, the process has been reactivated and preparations are now underway. A new date has been set and communicated to us, although I prefer not to disclose it at this time. If no party withdraws again, the meeting will take place in the near future. Several key issues have already been identified for discussion, and preparations are ongoing to ensure the meeting yields tangible outcomes.

In broad terms, what are the key topics to be discussed?

We will address administrative issues related to North and East Syria, including border management, border crossings, oil resources, and the future integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces. Discussions will also cover our potential participation in the central government in Damascus, the preparatory committee for the Syrian Parliament, the constitutional drafting process, and various other practical matters. In addition, we will raise issues such as education, official recognition of academic certificates, and other essential topics we believe should be included on the agenda.

Tensions between your administration and Turkey remain prominent. What is the current situation, and are there any ongoing negotiations?

At present, there is relative calm. There have been no attacks or clashes for the past four months, and a ceasefire is in effect. This is a positive development. Four months ago, the areas around the Tishrin Dam and Qara Qozak witnessed clashes, and Turkish airstrikes were ongoing. These attacks have now stopped, partly due to negotiations. There is an ongoing dialogue between the Kurdistan Freedom Movement and Turkey, which has had an impact. Additionally, international actors have played a role in facilitating talks and opening channels for communication.

We hope the current ceasefire will become sustainable. Our objective is to resolve the conflict at its roots. At present, there are no compelling reasons for war or continued hostilities with Turkey. We are willing to take further steps that could build mutual confidence. However, issues such as the occupied territories and the return of our people to Afrin and Serekaniye must also be addressed. These are shared concerns that require comprehensive and lasting solutions.

Recently, there have been renewed attacks by ISIS. Your struggle continues. What is the current status of your relationship with the International Coalition, and are there any new developments?

Our fight against ISIS continues. Although the Coalition has recently redeployed some of its forces, this has not affected our operational capacity. We continue to engage in intelligence cooperation across Syria when necessary.

What is new is the development of relations between the United States and Damascus. It is now essential for Damascus to become part of this joint effort. We are actively working to establish a trilateral framework involving ourselves, the United States, and the transitional government. We are serious about this initiative and see no obstacles to sharing our experience with our counterparts. We have been engaged in this struggle for many years.

Have there been any shifts in your dialogue with international powers and the Coalition? Is there now an opening for political relations with North and East Syria?

After a decade of resisting ISIS, the foundations are being laid for advancing political relations at the Syrian level. The presence of U.S. and French representatives in our upcoming meeting with the Damascus government is, in itself, a politically significant development. We believe it could pave the way for a broader and more serious political process.

a.k

ANHA