Ilham Ahmed announces preliminary agreement on Nasibin Crossing
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Board of the Autonomous Administration, revealed on Monday ongoing negotiations to reach an agreement on managing the Nasibin crossing between northeast Syria and Turkey. Ahmed stated: “We can say there is a preliminary understanding or agreement to open the Nasibin crossing.”
Ahmed made the remarks during the third and final episode of an interview series conducted by al-Majalla magazine. Previous episodes covered negotiations with Damascus regarding the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army, decentralization, and her supportive position regarding the Autonomous Administration in Suwayda.
The third episode addressed the details of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Brad Cooper’s recent visit to eastern Syria and Damascus, and his meetings with SDF commander General Mazloum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara.
Ahmed said during the London interview on September 21: “Abdi conveyed messages to al-Shara, including that we are ready for integration and to form joint committees and teams — preliminary steps that could build trust between us, and we are ready to begin them.”
When asked about Washington’s demand for Damascus to join the Global coalition against ISIS, Ahmed replied: “This means the Syrian government must decide its stance, especially regarding counterterrorism and fighting ISIS — they must make their decision.”
Ahmed also stated she is not concerned about the division of Syria, saying: “Why division? I don’t see calls for division, even if some regional and international actors claim to pursue it, I don’t see it happening.”
The remarks reflect ongoing diplomatic activity surrounding northeast Syria’s political and security arrangements, amid continued negotiations with both Damascus and regional actors over governance, counterterrorism, and border management.