Damascus, Syria – The Syrian Foreign Ministry criticized the conference held by the Syrian Democratic Forces “SDF” with other Syrian components in the city of Hasakah.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the conference as being held on “sectarian and ethnic” grounds. They claimed “symbols of the former regime are re-exported.” The ministry stated this is inconsistent with talk of unity and rejection of division. They pointed out that the real criterion for actions is commitment to a comprehensive national project. Furthermore, the ministry noted that the doors of Damascus will remain open to anyone who wants serious dialogue and joint action. This aims at leading Syria to a better future.
SANA quoted a government official as saying: “The government strongly condemns hosting separatist figures involved in hostile acts. This is a clear violation of the March 10 agreement.” He continued: “We hold the SDF and its leadership fully responsible for the repercussions of this. The government considers this conference an attempt to internationalize Syrian affairs. They aim to attract foreign interventions and re-impose sanctions. The legal, political, and historical consequences of these actions are burdens the SDF bears.”
He added: “This conference is a violation of the entitlements that the Syrian government has begun to implement. These include the formation of the Transitional Justice Authority and the start of its work. Additionally, the national dialogue path launched by the Syrian government last February will continue. This will persist until the country is brought to safety”.
He added: “The government confirms that this conference was a blow to the ongoing negotiation efforts. Accordingly, it will not participate in any meetings scheduled in Paris. It will not sit at the negotiating table with any party seeking to revive the era of the defunct regime under any name or cover. The government calls on the SDF to seriously engage in implementing the March 10 agreement. Additionally, it calls on international mediators to transfer all negotiations to Damascus. Damascus is the legitimate and national title for dialogue between Syrians.”
A Syrian government source told Anadolu Agency on Friday that the conference held in Hasakah Governorate shows the SDF’s lack of seriousness regarding negotiations with Damascus.
The conference, held on Friday under the name “Unity of Components’ Position,” called for “the establishment of a decentralized state. It urged for a constitution that guarantees ethnic, religious, and cultural pluralism.”
He added that the conference represents a dangerous escalation and will affect the current negotiation process.
He stressed that the Syrian government is studying its options. These options include canceling the round of negotiations scheduled in Paris. This decision hinges on the seriousness of the proposal to implement the March 10 agreement.
On July 25, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said that it had been agreed to “a round of consultations between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces in Paris. This should happen as soon as possible and aims to fully complete the implementation of the March 10 agreement”.
