The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has expressed strong support for the 10 March agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syria’s interim government, calling it a “positive and important step” towards bridging the divide between Syrian factions. In their statement, AANES emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue to end the Syrian crisis, while also highlighting their commitment to a unified, democratic Syria and marking the 21st anniversary of the Qamishli (Qamişlo) uprising as a symbol of Kurdish resilience.
“We emphasise that this agreement and its provisions confirm that the only option is to resolve our issue through dialogue… It is a positive and important step in bridging the gap between all Syrian parties,” AANES said.
The SDF-Damascus deal consists of eight provisions, with a focus on the recognition of the Kurds as an indigenous part of Syria with guaranteed citizenship and constitutional rights, a nationwide ceasefire, and the merging of civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into the central Damascus government administration. In their statement, the AANES emphasised that they have consistently advocated for inclusive dialogue during the “sensitive” transitional phase since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December:
“Since the first day of the fall of the Ba’ath regime, we have emphasised the need for agreement among the various Syrian national forces and the pursuit of launching a Syrian national dialogue that would form the basis for resolving the Syrian crisis and building a unified, democratic Syria.”
AANES emphasised its leading role in shaping Syria’s future, rooted in the social model of democratic confederalism, which promotes grassroots democracy, women’s freedom, and ecological values for peaceful coexistence. They stressed the need to move away from the “exclusion and tyranny suffered in Syria” and celebrated the opportunity to realise the democratic and social achievements of the Rojava Revolution.
“On this occasion, we congratulate our people on this step, which is a victory for the Syrian people as a whole… We call for continued efforts to bring Syria in general, and northern and eastern Syria in particular, to safety and achieve the goals of our revolution for the unity and democratisation of Syria.”
The AANES also honoured those killed on 12 March 2004 in the Qamishli uprising, when thousands rioted against the anti-Kurdish policies of the Assad regime. Syrian security forces cracked down on the protests, killing at least 36 Kurdish citizens, injuring over a thousand, and forcing many more to flee to Iraqi Kurdistan.
“Just as the previous regime could not break the historical relations between the peoples of the region, especially between the Kurdish and Arab people in 2004, after which our people rose up against injustice and attempts to tear apart the Syrian fabric, we will spare no effort to protect the unity of our people and our gains,” AANES stated.
Notably, SDF’s Abdi also shared a message marking the 21st anniversary of the Qamishli uprising, describing it as a “symbol of the Kurdish people’s struggle against the defeated Ba’ath regime” and pledging to “ensure the protection of the rights of all Syrians through peaceful dialogue”.
Concluding their statement, AANES committed to working for “peace and true partnership in nation-building”, emphasising the collective responsibility of all Syrians to implement the provisions of the SDF-Damascus agreement.
