Turkey Urges Syrian Kurds to Integrate into State, Warning ‘Patience Running Out’
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday urged the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate into Syrian state institutions, warning that “patience is running out,” according to AFP.
Fidan noted that delays in integrating the SDF into the new Syrian security structure posed a threat to the national unity.
Landmark Deal
In March, the Kurdish parties signed a landmark deal with the new Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to merge their civil and military institutions.
However, the SDF has been postponing the implementation of the deal due to some differences.
In May, Kurdish parties hosted a significant conference to introduce a unified vision for the country’s future after the ousting of Bashar Assad, according to AFP.
Calling for Decentralization
As a major component of Syria, Kurds “must present a solution and a project proposal for the future of Syria,” Eldar Khalil, an official in the Kurdish Democratic Union Party, said.
Moreover, SDF Chief Mazloum Abdi called for “a new decentralized constitution that includes all components” of society.
In response, the Syrian government utterly rejected decentralization system and refused “any form of division or federalization.” It also urged SDF fighters to integrate into the army.
Turkey has also rejected any plans that may undermine Syria’s central government or threaten its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Turkey’s Support for Centralized Syria
In an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, held in December, Fidan also accused the Kurds of maneuvering to evade March deal.
He noted that Ankara was not handing the Syrian government a “blank cheque” to suppress minorities, underscoring that all Syrian communities “must feel safe and free.”
Turkey considers the US-backed SDF a terrorist organization and has repeatedly noted that it expects the group to abide by the deal to disarm and integrate into Syria’s state institutions.
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