Erdogan Urges Damascus to Follow Through on Agreement with SDF

Asharq Al-Awsat

23-05-2025

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the Syrian government to stay focused on implementing the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) regarding their integration into state institutions, emphasizing that Ankara is closely monitoring the issue.
Erdogan revealed that Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and the United States have formed a joint committee to discuss the fate of ISIS members and their families held in camps and detention centers in northeastern Syria. These areas are controlled by the SDF, which is led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), a group supported by the US but considered a terrorist organization by Ankara.
He added: 'Iraq must focus on the camp issue, as most of the women and children in Al-Hol camp are Syrian and Iraqi, and they must be repatriated.'
In remarks to Turkish journalists accompanying him on his return flight from Budapest on Thursday, Erdogan stated: 'We are closely following the issue of the Kurdish People's Protection Units in particular. We consider the coming days to be critically important. It is essential that the Damascus administration does not lose focus on this matter. Our institutions are closely monitoring the process of integrating all armed groups into the Syrian army.'
The Agreement Between Damascus and the SDF
Erdogan asked whether 'the Kurdish units will respond to the call issued in Türkiye to dissolve the PKK (by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan)? Or will they remain committed to the March 8 agreement, reached in Damascus (between interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi on integration into state institutions)? Or will they pursue both paths?'
He further stressed that the process of dissolving the PKK and disarming it also includes its Syrian branch (the YPG).
The Turkish president affirmed that lifting sanctions on Syria is a 'highly significant step' toward achieving regional stability, describing it as a sign of how 'constructive Turkish diplomacy yields results.'
Kalin's Visit to Damascus
Meanwhile, the head of the Turkish intelligence agency visited Damascus on Monday and held talks with al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, and Syrian intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama.
Kalin discussed with Syrian officials the integration of SDF fighters into the Syrian army, like other groups after disarmament, as well as border and customs security, and the transfer of prisons and camps holding ISIS members to the Syrian government.
He expressed Türkiye's readiness to provide all necessary support to the Damascus government in this process.
Talks with Israel
In a related context, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk highlighted ongoing efforts to establish stability in Syria and to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.
He stated: 'Our operations to uncover and destroy mines, explosive devices, and tunnels in Syrian operation zones continue uninterrupted. Our determined cooperation persists to ensure lasting security in Syria, a country whose sovereignty and territorial integrity we support, and to enhance its defense and security capabilities.'