Latest news with #DAANES
Rudaw Net
4 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
EU sanctions relief for Syria ties to human rights commitments: Diplomats
Also in World Kurdish student in Finland turns coffee waste into clean energy From refugee to educator: A Kurd's mission to empower children in Germany Author uses literature to document Kurdish tragedies US reiterates support for SDF integration A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – European officials on Tuesday stressed that Syria's future must be shaped through an inclusive, Syrian-led political process that safeguards minority rights and reflects the country's diverse social fabric. They warned that failure to do so could trigger the reinstatement of European Union (EU) sanctions. Speaking to Rudaw on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France is actively supporting dialogue between the interim authorities in Damascus and the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) in northeast Syria (Rojava). 'Certainly, we continue working with the Americans to facilitate dialogue between Syrian authorities and Kurdish authorities,' Barrot said, affirming France's ongoing commitment to Kurdish rights. "The Kurds were trusted allies in the fight against the [Islamic State] ISIS,' he emphasized, adding that France's priority is for the people of Rojava to 'enjoy full citizenship rights in Syria.' Barrot expressed hope that the talks between Damascus and the Kurdish-led administration would 'continue under the best conditions.' Following a swift offensive in December, a coalition of opposition groups - then headed by the now-dissolved Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under Ahmed al-Sharaa - toppled the regime of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed interim president in January, vowing to lead an inclusive political transition. However, the interim government has faced criticism from minority groups, including the Kurds, who accuse it of exclusionary policies and centralization of power. A key breakthrough came in early March, when Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), signed an agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led force, which serves as the de facto army in Rojava. The accord also outlined the integration of 'all civil and military institutions' in Rojava under the Syrian state, including border crossings, Qamishli International Airport, and oil and gas fields. Since then, multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place between DAANES and Syrian government delegations, with the presence of both US and French representatives. While some progress has been made, a central disagreement remains unresolved. Damascus maintains that DAANES's administrative and military structures must be fully absorbed into a centralized state, adhering to the principle of 'one Syria, one army, one government.' In contrast, the Kurdish parties in Rojava are advocating for a decentralized, democratic Syria that preserves the autonomy and institutions developed in Rojava over the past decade. In its Sunday statement, DAANES welcomed the latest meetings with the Syrian government - held in the presence of US and French representatives - as 'a crucial step toward launching a serious Syrian-Syrian dialogue.' It also expressed 'sincere thanks and gratitude' to both countries for their 'constructive role and continuous efforts in supporting stability, peace, and democracy in Syria.' Speaking to Rudaw on Tuesday, Dubravka Suica, the European Commissioner for Democracy and Demography, reiterated the EU's position in favor of a 'Syrian-led and Syrian-owned' process that ensures representation of all societal segments - including minorities and women. 'We trust in this government and we are looking forward to talking about all the parts of the society,' she said, noting that a 'national dialogue' with different groups will be held in November. Crucially, Suica stressed the effort should not be confined to Damascus, urging locations 'at the [Syrian] coastal [areas] or in Aleppo or somewhere else. 'Syria is not only Damascus,' she said. The initiative follows recent diplomatic engagements with the Syrian government, who are "aware of the situation" and "trying to make what they can," Suica said, adding that 'the minister hoped these discussions will "cover the whole country." For his part, Germany's Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum also underscored that discussions on Syria's future must prioritize the country's sovereignty and avoid confusing federalism with separatism. "In the case of sovereign states, it is always the state itself that is asked how it wants to organize itself," the official stated, stressing that "one must always be a bit careful that [federalism] is not confused with separatism." Krichbaum further highlighted the immense challenge for Syria to "bring together the different social currents, and also tribes." This internal cohesion, he stressed, "will be the great task for the future' to achieve 'stability for the country.' Meanwhile, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told Rudaw that any easing of EU sanctions is strictly conditioned on Syria's commitment to human rights and inclusive governance. On May 20, the EU officially decided to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, removing 21 entities from 'the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources,' the EU Council then said. 'Several of these entities are banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, or companies operating in key sectors for Syria's economic recovery,' the Council elaborated. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas then hailed the decision, saying it comes at a 'historic' time to safeguard Syria's economic recovery. 'The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, and it will continue to do so. Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition,' she said. However, according to Budrys, a key condition for any lifting or suspension of sanctions in Syria is its adherence to principles that safeguard all societal groups and minorities, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or other identities. 'Be it religion, ethnicity, or any other identity - it must be protected,' he said. 'If these protections are not provided, the EU reserves the right to reimpose sanctions.' He acknowledged the scale of destruction in Syria following years of war, but stressed that 'international laws and principles must still be followed.'
Rudaw Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Rojava official says concerned about hate speech, treason accusations after US envoy remarks
Also in Syria Rojava administration reiterates call for 'decentralized' Syria, constitutional overhaul Rojava ruling party rejects Damascus 'integration' as bid to 'dismantle' institutions Washington prioritizing unified Syria, not Kurdish autonomy: Former US diplomat Syrian, Israeli officials meet in Baku: Sources A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A senior Kurdish-led northeast Syria (Rojava) administration official on Sunday thanked the US and France for backing Syria's political process but voiced concern over hate speech and treason accusations after Washington's envoy criticized Kurdish-led forces for slow integration and rejected federalism. 'We appreciate the continued support of United States and France for a political solution in Syria, and their contribution to bringing Syrians together. However, we view with concern the escalation of hate speech and accusations of treason by official bodies,' Elham Ahmad, foreign relations co-chair of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), said on X. On Wednesday, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack told Rudaw that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has been 'slow' in negotiating with the Syrian government, asserting that federalism in Syria 'doesn't work.' 'There is only one road, and that road is to Damascus,' Barrack said. Ahmad did not explicitly refer to Barrack's remarks, but the comments have sparked outrage among Kurds on social media. 'We count on a constructive role that strengthens dialogue, not weakens it,' she said. The Damascus administration also issued a statement rejecting federalism and calling on the SDF to integrate into state institutions following the US envoy's remarks. The SDF is the de facto army of Rojava - the Kurdish-controlled northeast region of Syria. During the civil war, Kurds established an autonomous administration, carving out large swathes of territory ceded by former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Since the fall of the Assad regime, they have been in talks with the interim government in Damascus to integrate into national institutions, including the armed forces. Kurds are also concerned about the centralization of power and the prominence of Islamic law in the transitional constitution adopted by Syria's interim government. They have called for federalism and repeatedly denied that they seek to divide the country. In March, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed a deal with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to integrate Rojava's civil and military institutions into those of the state. The two sides have continued discussions to implement the agreement.
Rudaw Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Rojava ruling party rejects Damascus ‘integration' as bid to ‘dismantle' institutions
Also in Syria Rojava administration reiterates call for 'decentralized' Syria, constitutional overhaul Rojava official says concerned about hate speech, treason accusations after US envoy remarks Washington prioritizing unified Syria, not Kurdish autonomy: Former US diplomat Syrian, Israeli officials meet in Baku: Sources A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A senior official of the ruling Kurdish party in northeast Syria (Rojava) strongly criticized a proposal by the interim government in Damascus to "integrate" institutions within the Kurdish-majority region, describing it as an attempt to dismantle Rojava's self-governing administration, rather than a genuine move toward national unity under a democratic framework. Fawza Youssef, a member of the presidential body of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), warned that the new Syrian leadership's integration push reflects an effort 'to dissolve the institutions of the [Kurdish-led Democratic] Autonomous Administration [of North and East Syria's - DAANES],' stripping it of its 'political and service-oriented functions.' In an interview aired Saturday by Ronahi TV, a media outlet affiliated with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Youssef argues that DAANES's model - established over the past 13 years - should not be viewed as "an obstacle, but a pillar for strengthening Syria's power and cohesion,' and a cornerstone for rebuilding a democratic Syria. Following a swift offensive in December, a coalition of opposition groups - led at the time by the now-dissolved Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under Ahmed al-Sharaa - toppled the regime of longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed interim president in January, pledging to lead an inclusive political process. However, in the months that followed, the new interim government's policies have been criticized as exclusionary, especially by minority groups, including the Kurds. Despite this, a milestone agreement was signed in March between Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi to integrate the US-backed Kurdish-led force, which serves as Rojava's de facto military, into Syria's national institutions. The accord also noted the integration of 'all civil and military institutions' in Rojava 'under the administration of the Syrian state, including border crossings, the [Qamishli International] Airport, and oil and gas fields.' But Youssef pushed back against Damascus's interpretation of "integration," clarifying that for the PYD, "Integration certainly does not mean disarming, closing institutions, or assimilation within a centralized state. Rather, what is required is recognition of this experience and its participation within a comprehensive national democratic framework." She attributed Syria's current woes to centralized governance, arguing that it "brought the country to its current state, collapsed the political structure' and 'paved the way for deep foreign interventions in Syrian affairs." Youssef further highlighted a deep 'lack of trust between Syrian parties,' citing what she described as the interim government's failure to uphold previous agreements. Since the March Abdi-Sharaa deal, multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place between DAANES and Syrian government delegations, including sessions attended by US and French envoys. However, a fundamental disagreement continues to stall progress. Damascus insists on full absorption of DAANES's administrative and military structures into a centralized Syrian state, based on the principle of 'one Syria, one army, one government.' Conversely, DAANES and the PYD advocate for a decentralized, democratic Syria that preserves the autonomy and institutions developed in Rojava.
Rudaw Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Rojava administration reiterates call for ‘decentralized' Syria, constitutional overhaul
Also in Syria Rojava ruling party rejects Damascus 'integration' as bid to 'dismantle' institutions Rojava official says concerned about hate speech, treason accusations after US envoy remarks Washington prioritizing unified Syria, not Kurdish autonomy: Former US diplomat Syrian, Israeli officials meet in Baku: Sources A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Sunday reiterated its call for a 'decentralized Syria' built on democratic and pluralistic foundations, while firmly rejecting accusations of separatist ambitions and reaffirming its 'unequivocal' commitment to Syria's territorial unity. The statement comes amid ongoing negotiations with the interim government in Damascus. In a statement released Sunday, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) stated, 'For decades, Syrians suffered under a centralized system that monopolized power and wealth' and 'dragged the country into repeated crises. 'Today, we aspire to be genuine partners in building a new Syria - a decentralized state that embraces all its people and guarantees their rights equally,' DAANES said. The Rojava administration further emphasized that its calls for 'a pluralistic democratic system' are longstanding, while reaffirming that the unity of Syrian territory is 'a non-negotiable principle and a constant pillar' of its vision, warning that politicizing this issue 'only serves those who seek to undermine the prospects of a political solution.' Following a swift offensive in December, a coalition of opposition groups - then headed by the now-dissolved Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under Ahmed al-Sharaa - toppled the regime of longtime dictator Bashar Sharaa was appointed interim president in January, vowing to lead an inclusive political transition. However, in the months that followed, the interim government's policies have drawn criticism from minority groups, including the Kurds, who accuse it of exclusion and centralization. A key breakthrough came in early March, when Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), signed an agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led force, which serves as the de facto army in Rojava. The accord also outlined the integration of 'all civil and military institutions' in Rojava under the Syrian state, including border crossings, Qamishli International Airport, and oil and gas fields. Since then, multiple rounds of talks have been held between DAANES and Syrian government delegations, with participation from US and French envoys. While these talks have made some headway, a core disagreement continues to stall further progress. Damascus maintains that DAANES's administrative and military structures must be fully absorbed into a centralized state, adhering to the principle of 'one Syria, one army, one government.' In contrast, the Kurdish pirates in Rojava are advocating for a decentralized, democratic Syria that preserves the autonomy and institutions developed in Rojava over the past decade. In its Sunday statement, DAANES welcomed the latest meetings with the Syrian government - held in the presence of US and French representatives - as 'a crucial step toward launching a serious Syrian-Syrian dialogue.' It also expressed 'sincere thanks and gratitude' to both countries for their 'constructive role and continuous efforts in supporting stability, peace, and democracy in Syria.' The Kurdish-led administration also reiterated its call for the drafting of a new constitution 'that guarantees the rights of all components' of Syrian society. In mid-March, Sharaa signed a 53-article constitutional declaration that enshrines Islamic jurisprudence, requires the president to be Muslim, and outlines a five-year transitional period. The document retains the country's name as the Syrian Arab Republic and grants sweeping powers to the president, including exclusive executive authority, the ability to appoint one-third of the legislature, and control over appointments to the constitutional court - the only body capable of holding the president accountable. Kurdish groups in Rojava quickly rejected the declaration, arguing that any constitution must emerge from a genuine national consensus, not be imposed unilaterally. Of note, the DAANES statement came a day after a senior official in Rojava's ruling party warned on Saturday that the interim government's approach to integration amounts to an effort to 'dissolve the institutions' of the DAANES and strip it of its political and administrative roles. Fawza Youssef, a member of the presidential body of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), further stated that DAANES's model - established over the past 13 years - should not be viewed as "an obstacle, but as a pillar for strengthening Syria's power and cohesion' and a cornerstone for rebuilding a democratic Syria.
Rudaw Net
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
German diplomat meets Rojava officials over Damascus talks, US pullout
Also in Syria 16 ISIS suspects detained in Rojava's al-Hol camp US warns of potential attacks in Syria SDF, US-led coalition discuss future of Tishreen Dam US plans troop reduction in Syria: Pentagon A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Saturday received a senior German diplomat for talks on negotiations with Damascus, political developments, and the future of the United States military support in the Kurdish enclave. Margarete Jacob, the chargé d'affaires of the German mission in Damascus, visited the foreign affairs department of the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES) in the city of Qamishli in Rojava. 'The experience of the Autonomous Administration on the ground, the unity of Syrian territory, and the latest developments regarding negotiations between the Autonomous Administration and the Damascus government were discussed,' read a statement from DAANES. In March, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) chief Mazloum Abdi signed a landmark deal to integrate 'all civil and military institutions' in Rojava under the administration of the Syrian state. The SDF is the de facto army of the Kurdish-majority enclave. Rojava officials and the German diplomat further discussed 'the terms of the [Sharaa-Abdi] agreement, the committees formed [by both sides] to negotiate the administrative structures of the Autonomous Administration, and how to integrate it under the [administration of the] central government in Damascus were discussed,' added the statement. For her part, the chargé d'affaires of the German mission in Damascus, Jacob, was cited by the DAANES statement as stressing 'the need to work towards a comprehensive political process and to continue dialogue with all components of Syria.' She further praised the administrative and military agreements between Damascus and Qamishli. The Saturday meeting additionally touched on the US's decision to reduce the number of its troops in Syria and the implications of Washington's decision on Rojava and the SDF amid the ongoing fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). On Friday, a US defense official had told Rudaw on condition of anonymity that Washington plans to reduce its military footprint in Syria 'to less than one thousand [personnel] in the next two to three months.' A Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, later said the US was consolidating forces 'to select locations in Syria,' but emphasized that American troops 'will remain poised to continue strikes against ISIS remnants.' US forces in Syria backed the SDF as it led the offensive to territorially defeat ISIS in 2019. Abdi has repeatedly warned that a US withdrawal could embolden an ISIS resurgence. In mid-January, he stressed the 'need to intensify efforts to continue the fight against ISIS if we don't want to see it make a comeback.'
