Al-Shara affirms Kurdish rights as Damascus offers SDF integration into army
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara said on Monday that Damascus had proposed the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army to benefit from their experience, while affirming that Kurdish rights in Syria are guaranteed under the constitution.
Al-Shara added during a visit to New York that he conveyed the offer directly to SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi. However, he claimed that the continued presence of the SDF in northeast Syria poses risks to Iraq, Turkey, and Syria.
He further described Syria as a “state of law that stands at equal distance from all Syrians,” stressing that his government has worked to control weapons since assuming authority in Damascus, saying that “any weapon outside the law is uncontrolled.”
In a separate discussion with former CIA Director David Petraeus, al-Shar’ stated that Syria needs reconstruction, which will take significant time.
The Syrian president also referred to Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights, noting that Israel has carried out “more than 400 ground incursions into Syrian territory, arresting civilians.”
He emphasized that every step taken by the Syrian government should be with the awareness and approval of the Syrian people. He concluded by saying that the “ball is now in the court of Israel and the international community,” as talks continue regarding a potential security agreement.