Syrian official says national integration remains only option
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Ahmad al-Hilali, spokesperson for the presidential delegation tasked with following up on the implementation of the integration agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on Thursday that completing the process of national integration remains “the only option for all Syrians.”
In an exclusive interview with North Press, al-Hilali said the integration process was moving forward and that authorities had released around 1,100 SDF members over the past two months.
“There are only small numbers remaining,” he said, adding that “a comprehensive and accurate review is underway to secure their release before Eid al-Adha.”
The agreement between Damascus and the SDF comes amid ongoing discussions over the future administrative and security arrangements in northeast Syria, where the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) continues to oversee civil institutions while the US-backed SDF maintains security operations against ISIS cells.
Addressing the issue of displaced residents from Afrin, al-Hilali said all residents could return to their towns and villages “at any time without prior arrangements.”
“They will not face any security harassment on the road leading to their original areas,” he added.
Afrin, located in northwest Syria, witnessed large-scale displacement following the Turkish-backed military operation in 2018, with many Kurdish residents remaining displaced in areas of Shahba and other parts of northeast Syria.
Regarding Kurdish rights, al-Hilali said Presidential Decree No. 13 was “not the final step, but the first step,” adding that it was intended “not only for Kurds, but for all components to obtain their rights.”
On services in Hasakah governorate, al-Hilali stated that water pumping from Alouk Station toward Hasakah city and its countryside would begin at the start of the seventh month of the year.
He also said electricity issues in the province had been “resolved by 60 percent.”
Concerning wheat prices, al-Hilali said Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa had approved financial support amounting to 900,000 Syrian pounds per ton of wheat.
“With the grant, the price of one ton will reach around 400 US dollars,” he said.