‘Changes will need to be made to the Syrian constitution regarding Kurdish rights… Discussions will also continue on how Syria should be governed within a decentralised framework’

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is in Washington and will meet Trump today. This is the first visit by a Syrian president to the White House since 1946. However, al-Sharaa’s interim administration back home continues to struggle with forming an inclusive government, including with respect to the Kurds. Elham Ahmad, co-chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), spoke with Rudroneel Ghosh for an exclusive interview on the Kurdish position on the situation in Syria:

Could you update us as to the status of talks between the Syrian government and the Kurdish side?

Regarding the negotiations with Damascus, we can confirm that the first step to implementing the memorandum of understanding signed on March 10 has now been taken. This was achieved through an agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Asayish (internal security forces) into the ministry of interior. What remains now is to implement this agreement. Further discussions on this are required. Additionally, changes will need to be made to the Syrian constitution regarding Kurdish rights, the rights of other national groups, and women's rights. Separate meetings will be held to discuss these issues. Discussions will also continue on how Syria should be governed within a decentralised framework. Clearly, there are different views on this issue. Therefore, we can say that this was a positive step towards implementing the memorandum of understanding signed on March 10. The first step has now been taken. Provided no serious obstacles arise in the future, we believe that these steps will continue, although they might take some time.
Recent elections in Syria excluded the Kurdish regions. What is the way forward for integration?

The election process has attracted a lot of criticism. Clearly, the elections held so far have been one-sided. While the interim government in Damascus wanted to include people from other groups in society, this is still not an election. Determining persons one-sidedly is a problem. Even the voters were chosen by a committee. That same committee also determined the candidates. Therefore, this was not an election. A temporary process was established to form a parliament. However, this process lacks legitimacy.

The regions of North and East Syria, as well as the Suwayda region, did not participate in the election. Representatives from these regions did not participate. The desired level of participation from different groups in society was not achieved. Women were also not included in the election. All of these issues are serious. The method that was used to form the parliament constitutes a serious problem. However, if an agreement is reached between North and East Syria, and Damascus, I believe that an agreement will also be reached on how to determine North and East Syria's representatives. If steps are taken to ensure our representation in government and changes are made to the constitutional provisions that we consider important, then we will participate in parliament.

With Turkey helping in brokering the ceasefire in Gaza, does this complicate integration in Syria?

In any case, we view the ceasefire in Gaza positively. No matter how long a war continues, it is ultimately necessary to have both a ceasefire and an agreement focused on finding a solution. For this reason, we view this ceasefire positively. We also assume that it will have a positive effect on Syria. For those who were fighting in Gaza, Syria had become a front and a field for movement, support and various activities, no matter how invisible that was. Syria was exploited in this way. The ceasefire implementation, therefore, has a positive effect on peace in Syria.

However, I would also like to make the following point: The Turkish state's interventions have impacted the issues of integration and resolution, as well as our dialogue with Damascus. It is clear that they are creating obstacles with their statements. Some of their officials are acting in this way. For example, the Turkish foreign minister frequently issues warnings to the Damascus authorities, telling them not to accept the proposals. Such provocative statements inflame the situation and increase contradictions. This does not help to find a solution.

Turkey is a neighbouring country of Syria. Of course, it must consider its own security. However, ensuring its security by destroying the rights of the people is wrong. The Kurdish people and the various groups in North and East Syria have the right to establish a new system and reach a democratic solution that protects their rights and identities after so many years of war and last year’s regime change. These are their rights too. Therefore, Turkey's interference in the dialogue is creating obstacles. We hope that if Turkey does play a role in Syria, it will be constructive, not destructive.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Moscow before his ongoing visit to Washington. Do you think geopolitical machinations will again prove to be a hurdle in long-term peace and stability in Syria?

In my opinion, the situation of the Damascus government is not easy. Their circumstances are challenging. There are many difficulties and obstacles. There are various obstacles to building Syria and to this administration truly becoming an administration.

Firstly, there is the mentality with which the Damascus government operates. Secondly, there are economic obstacles. Thirdly, there are security obstacles. In many ways, there are obstacles preventing the Damascus administration from fully representing all of Syria. Damascus's interim government is pinning its hopes on improved foreign relations, as shown by recent visits and other foreign relations so far. Despite its own contradictions with its interlocutors, it is clear that Damascus wants to resolve existing problems and strengthen its role with them.

However, Damascus is also creating contradictions with other parties in the process. I believe that the recent visit to Russia was related to the following issues: Russia has been present in Syria for a long time. There are many serious issues to be resolved, such as debt and the presence of Russian military forces and bases in Syria. I believe all of these issues are a burden for the interim government in Damascus, and that a long-term dialogue is needed to resolve them.

What will be the approach of the Kurdish side in Syria from here on?

Kurdish parties recently held a conference in Syria. They reached a general agreement at the conference. This was a positive development. Their respective stance continues to this day. To guarantee the rights of Kurds in Syria, the Kurdish delegation is tasked with discussing and expressing their demands to Damascus within the framework of the conference's outcome. To this end, they require the support of all Kurdish forces and other parts of Kurdistan. Not by getting involved in the situation directly. But how can the Kurdish public support the Kurdish delegation in Syria and put pressure on Damascus to resolve the matter? For this reason, it is necessary for the Kurdish forces to play a role like this.