The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that an agreement had been reached in talks held in Damascus. Under the agreement, military forces will withdraw from contact points. Subsequently, the integration process of forces affiliated with the SDF will begin. Three brigades affiliated with the SDF will form a division. One brigade from Kobanê (Kobani) will also be integrated into one of the divisions affiliated with Aleppo. Meanwhile, the rights of the Kurds will be legally guaranteed, and the return of citizens who were forced to migrate will be ensured. 

 

Salih Muslim, a member of the Co-Presidency Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), commented on the agreement to the Mezopotamya Agency (MA). 

 

'KURDISH GAINS WILL BE PROTECTED'  

  

Muslim stated that the agreement is a framework agreement, adding, "This declaration contains certain provisions that are indispensable from our perspective. The military situation is foremost among these. The current military structure will be preserved. For example, there will be one military brigade in Kobanê and three brigades in Cizîre (Jazire Region). Local administrations will be entirely in our hands. Security forces will also remain under our control. The gains achieved by the Kurds to date will be preserved. Education, institutions and organisations will continue as before. Internal security forces will remain in place. A limited number of personnel from certain state institutions may be present in some areas, but the administration will be entirely in our hands."

 

'THE AGREEMENT PREVENTS DANGERS'

 

Saying that there is no clear information yet on the other details of the agreement, Muslim stated, "Various speculations and exaggerated statements are being made by the state. However, these do not reflect the truth. The most important issue for us was the ceasefire. This process (the agreement) has prevented a major conspiracy against us and the Kurds in general. This conspiracy aimed to eliminate the Kurds, take them over and expand as far as South Kurdistan. This agreement has averted that danger."

 

'THE PEOPLE MUST BE ON ALERT'

 

Stating that the implementation of the agreement on the ground depends on Damascus, Muslim said: "However, the people must be on alert. Because previous agreements were not honoured. The 10 March Agreement was not implemented. The agreement regarding Sheikh Maqsood on 1 April was also not implemented. Therefore, we must be prepared in every area, from self-defence to security. We will also take the necessary measures.”

 

'THE DISPLACED WILL RETURN'

 

Muslim also addressed the issue of the return of citizens forced to migrate from places such as Efrîn (Afrin), Serêkaniyê (Serekaniye) and Şêxmeqsûd (Sheikh Maqsood), saying, "The people who were forced to migrate from areas such as Efrîn, Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî will return to their lands. This process will be implemented in the coming days." 

 

Muslim stated that the US and France are acting as guarantors, adding, "Furthermore, South Kurdistan is also part of this process. Ultimately, this agreement is a beginning, an important step taken towards further progress."

 

MA / Melik Varol