Mazloum Abdi: SDF Ready to Implement Agreement and Advance Talks with Damascus

PUKMEDIA

General Mazloum Abdi.

General Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on late Sunday night that the SDF is prepared to move forward with the implementation of an agreement reached with the Syrian government, noting that consensus has already been achieved on a number of key issues.

Speaking in an interview with Ronahi television channel, Abdi said the current ceasefire period would be used to make tangible progress on the agreement signed on 18 December. He stressed that practical steps would be taken during this phase to advance understandings between both sides.

General Abdi said the agreement stipulates that Syrian government forces will not enter Kurdish areas, while local institutions will instead be integrated into state institutions. He confirmed that direct communication with Damascus is ongoing on a daily basis, adding that the United States is also involved through both its political and military channels.

General Abdi revealed that the SDF has submitted proposals for several government positions, including the posts of deputy defence minister and governor of Hasakah. However, he said that no final agreement has yet been reached on the list of nominees.

He also stated that Kobane will play a leading role in the next phase of the process. In this context, the SDF requested that government forces refrain from entering Kurdish villages in the area, a request which, according to Abdi, was accepted due to the sensitive nature of the situation.

The SDF commander highlighted regional and international political backing, noting that Kurdish leaders in the Kurdistan Region— including PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani— as well as leaders in Iraq and Türkiye, are offering support at what he described as a “sensitive and important” stage. He also warned against the dangers of racism and sectarianism during this period.

General Abdi said that any agreements reached in Kurdish areas would also be applied to Afrin and Serê Kaniyê, stressing that those responsible for violations would be held accountable through legal mechanisms.

He concluded by warning that continued militarisation in Syria’s Kurdish regions would lead to prolonged conflict, saying that fighting would continue without a decisive victory for any side if political solutions fail.


PUKMEDIA