AANES holds conference in Deir ez-Zor to discuss situation in region
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – In cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the Deir ez-Zor Civil Council, affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), held on Sunday a conference to discuss the political, economic, security and social situation in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria.
The conference, titled ‘Enhancing Security and Stability towards Development and Consolidation of Cooperation in Deir ez-Zor’, was convened to fulfill promises made by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to improve the conditions of Deir ez-Zor’s residents and address their demands following the security tensions that occurred in late August and early September.
On Aug. 30, the SDF announced dismissing the commander of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmad al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, from duty, for his involvement in “criminal offenses and engaging in drug trafficking, mismanaging of the security situation, and his negative role in increasing the activities of ISIS cells,” according to the SDF.
The operation led to the eruption of clashes between the SDF and gunmen affiliated with the dismissed leader and with Nawaf al-Bashir, leader of al-Baggara tribe and a pro-Iranian figure whose groups are active in the western bank of the Euphrates which is under the control of the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias.
Representatives from various sectors of society participated in the event, calling for improving the conditions in Deir ez-Zor and restructuring the civil institutions based on competency.
The conference concluded with a statement that included a set of outcomes to improve the situation in Deir ez-Zor.
The statement gave political parties in Deir ez-Zor the green light to carry out their work in coordination with the AANES’ Executive Council of Deir ez-Zor until a law on party licensing is issued in northeastern Syria.
Another outcome stipulated the restructuring of local legislative, executive, and municipal councils, as well as the reorganization of internal security forces and the military establishment. In addition, it emphasized activating the role of the Social Justice Council and opening an office for the council in the al-Maamal roundabout, granting it full independence in its decisions.
The statement drew a roadmap passing laws related to compensating the affected families in the recent events in Deir ez-Zor according to established procedures.
Moreover, the conference proposed the establishment of a committee consisting of the Civil Administration in Deir ez-Zor and security forces. This committee would be responsible for opening and regulating four humanitarian and commercial crossings, enhancing the role of supervision, and restructuring the inspection and control mechanisms in coordination with the AANES.
One of the outcomes highlighted an organized and periodic removal of Deir ez-Zor families from Hawl Camp, which house nearly 5,0000 members linked to the Islamic State (ISIS). It also emphasized the importance of media engagement and restricting the Executive Council in Deir ez-Zor and all institutions.
The statement emphasized the importance of intellectuals’ role and the adoption the technocracy in the Civil Administration of Deir ez-Zor, in addition to structuring a project in the investment budget for restoring silos.
Among the important outcomes was providing support for the educational, health, and agricultural sectors. Work committees were formed to monitor and implement the outcomes, with a maximum timeframe of six months from the date of the conference.
Priority was given to service, health, investment, and educational projects within the 2024 budget.