Ilham Ahmed, Foreign Relations Co-Chair of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), addressed the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – the primary military force defending AANES territory – and the Damascus interim government, at a dialogue forum held in Al-Hasakah (Heseke) on 8 April.
The Syrian Kurdish diplomat discussed the implementation of the SDF-Damascus deal, including the forming of committees and the AANES’ exclusion from the drafting of a provisional Syrian constitution. She also provided details on the SDF-Turkey ceasefire, US involvement in stabilisation efforts, the regional impacts of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s peace initiative, and the potential return of internally displaced persons to their homelands in Turkish-occupied areas.
“What was announced between the SDF and the Damascus authorities was a general agreement. […] We have not yet gone through the process of forming the committees,” Ahmed stated.
She stressed that the transitional process of state-integration, earmarked for completion by the year end, was in the beginning stages and that civil and political committees must be representational. “We attach serious importance to strengthening the provisions of the agreement,” she added.
Ahmed criticised the recently announced draft constitution of Syria’s interim government, stating that the AANES was excluded from its preparation. As a result, she said, the constitution fails to represent minorities and denies women’s rights—both red lines for the AANES. Ahmed stressed that the draft contradicts earlier agreements with the Syrian government, which included recognition of Kurdish rights, SDF integration, and decentralisation.
A recent women’s conference in AANES also rejected the draft, warning it legitimises oppression through Sharia law. Ahmed affirmed that core rights and decentralised governance are non-negotiable:
“It is not possible to give up the cultural and national rights of the components, freedom of religion, the right to education in a mother tongue, political rights, a decentralised administration system. These issues are not subject to negotiation and no concessions will be made.”
On tensions with Turkey, Ahmed emphasised de-escalation efforts and highlighted the broader significance of renewed peace initiatives. Speaking on the fragile ceasefire, she stated:
“We are trying to improve our relations with neighbouring countries. We do not want to be at war with Turkey. We are trying to reach an agreement with Turkey to ensure Syrian security,” adding that the United States has an “important role” in supporting the process.
Pointing to Öcalan’s 27 February peace call as a potential turning point, Ahmed said: “The initiative initiated by leader Abdullah Öcalan is very important and we hope that the Turkish state will approach the issue positively. There seems to be a cooling down by the Turkish state. The Turkish government is responsible for developing this process. Taking part in this initiative is very important and will have positive effects on Syria and neighbouring states.”
Ahmed also commented on the return of refugees originating from Afrin (Efrîn), Ras al-Ayn (Serêkaniyê), and Tel Abyad (Girê Spî), stating efforts are underway but returns depend on improved security and guarantees against arrests or rights violations under Turkish occupation. Many residents have been unable to return since Turkish-backed forces seized Afrin in 2018.
A Syrian defence official recently said that Turkish-affiliated Islamist groups have scaled down their presence in Afrin since the fall of the Ba’ath regime and the ensuing developments. This was confirmed to Medya News by a refugee who fled in 2018 and said militants occupying her home had recently left, allowing her to prepare for return.
However, concerns persist—three young men travelling from Aleppo to Afrin on 7 April disappeared en route. They were identified as Dijwar Mecid Zenel, Ehmed Idris Zenel—both Kurdish from Jindires—and an unnamed Arab companion. Their whereabouts remain unknown.
