Kurdish official confirms ongoing Aleppo prisoner swap coordination
Aleppo, Syria (North Press) – An official from the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo, northwestern Syria, said on Wednesday that coordination is ongoing with the transitional government institutions to implement a prisoner exchange agreement, describing the deal as “historic and essential to uphold.”
Nuri Sheikho, co-chair of the council of Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, said in a statement to North Press that efforts to carry out the exchange between the two sides are progressing, emphasizing that “daily coordination is underway and the release of prisoners is expected soon.”
Sheikho noted that all parties involved in the implementation of the agreement are cooperating closely and maintaining a high level of coordination and consultation.
“Given the current circumstances, this agreement can be considered historic for the Syrian people, and it is vital that it be respected,” he said.
He clarified that while no specific date has been set for the exchange, there is no disagreement between the parties. “Once a date is finalized, it will be announced immediately,” he affirmed.
Sheikho also acknowledged growing concern among residents of Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods following the circulation of rumors suggesting the deal had been canceled. He warned that such misinformation is intended to stir division among the Syrian people.
Last week, the council in Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods told North Press that the agreement’s initial phase involved a prisoner exchange, with 146 detainees from areas of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and 97 affiliated with the transitional government.
Earlier this month, Badran Chiya Kurd, a senior AANES official announced the signing of a broad administrative, security, and service agreement between the council of Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo and the transitional government.