SDF Leader: No General Agreement with Damascus Until 'Core Issues' are Resolved

WISE NEWS PRESS / LONDON, UK — Nov. 24, 2025

Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which controls northeastern Syria, gave an update on ongoing integration talks with the transitional government in Damascus.

Abdi stated that while military consensus has been reached with Damascus, a general agreement is not possible without progress on the country's governance and constitutional rights, the Mesopotamian Agency reported on Nov. 23.

"The rights of the Kurds and how other components will be included in the constitution are yet to be determined. Without these, a general agreement is not possible," Abdi said.

Damascus and the SDF signed an integration agreement on March 10, but periodic clashes have occurred since, particularly over the summer. A ceasefire signed on Oct. 8 halted the fighting.

Abdi noted a mutual will to avoid conflict despite minor issues, emphasizing dialogue.

Military Integration and Constitutional Concerns

Abdi confirmed an "informal agreement" on military matters was reached in Damascus during a recent meeting attended by US officials, though it has not been signed.

He argued that as the "largest organized force" in Syria, the SDF should integrate properly into the Syrian army to strengthen it.

However, he stressed that "core issues" remain unresolved. "The constitution, Syria's form of governance (centralized or decentralized) are important issues. These are the most important issues," he said.

Abdi claimed the drafted constitution conflicts with the March 10 agreement and that they have requested corrections from Damascus. He also reminded that a delegation representing Kurds requested to go to Damascus to secure rights in the constitution, but Damascus has not met with them, prioritizing military solutions.

Expectations for Practical Steps

Following the Nov. 10 meeting between US Special Envoy Tom Barrack and Syrian President Ahmed Shara, where the "next phase of the US-Turkey-Syria framework" was discussed—including SDF integration—Abdi expressed hope for practical steps.

"Our main problem is that positive things are discussed in meetings, but these topics do not materialize in practice," he said. "After the Washington meeting, we expect practical steps to be taken now," specifically regarding parliamentary/governmental participation and constitutional change. He added that further meetings could be held to negotiate new steps.

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