ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A French diplomatic source on Thursday expressed hope that dialogue between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the new Damascus administration will continue, stressing the need for an inclusive political process in the country.
“We hope that the dialogue launched on March 10 between the transitional authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces will continue,” the source said.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Abdi signed a landmark agreement on March 10 to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus. The agreement recognizes the Kurds as an integral part of Syria, includes a countrywide ceasefire, and stipulates the return of displaced Syrians to their hometowns.
On Tuesday, the SDF and Damascus reached an agreement to exchange “all prisoners” and allow SDF-affiliated internal security forces (Asayish) to remain in Aleppo’s predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh.
“This new government must now put into practice the commitments made by the Syrian transitional authorities and meet the expectations and needs of the Syrian people,” the diplomatic source added.
On Saturday, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed a 23-member cabinet, including four members from minority groups. However, the appointments have raised concerns as ethnic and religious groups said they were not consulted during the appointment process. The new cabinet also includes individuals who have been blacklisted by the UN and the US over ties to extremist armed groups.
After a coalition led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime, they formed a transitional government headed by Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani), who has repeatedly stated that the rights of all Syria’s components will be protected under the new government.
“France reiterates its commitment to the implementation of a peaceful and inclusive political transition, which represents all components of Syrian society and guarantees the rights and protection of all Syrians, regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliation or gender,” the diplomatic source stressed, adding that Paris “stands ready to support the Syrian authorities in this endeavor.”
France is an active member of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) and has troops in Rojava, alongside the US. It has also recently joined the Americans in their efforts to unite Syrian Kurds through intra-Kurdish talks that have been stalled for years.
Niyaz Mustafa contributed to this article.
