AANES senior official reaffirms commitment to democratic solution in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A senior official of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said on Monday that the administration remains committed to achieving a comprehensive democratic settlement to the Syrian crisis that guarantees the rights of all communities.
Badran Chiya Kurd, Deputy Co-Chair of the AANES Department of Foreign Relations, told newsru.co.il, a Russian-language outlet based in Israel, that the AANES is not involved in ongoing talks between Damascus and Israel and has no independent contacts with the Israeli state.
Commenting on the March 10 agreement with Damascus, Chiya Kurd said its implementation has been hampered by deep mistrust and conflicting political visions. “Damascus insists on centralized control, while we seek a decentralized model that ensures local participation and the unity of the Syrian state,” he explained.
He underscored constitutional recognition, fair resource distribution, and the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity as essential foundations for any lasting settlement.
Addressing regional dynamics, Chiya Kurd dismissed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s claims of Israeli interference in SDF-Damascus relations, describing them as an attempt to deflect from Ankara’s ongoing interventions in Syria.
He warned of the continuing risk of Turkish military operations but said strong local defense capabilities, combined with international and regional pressures, serve as deterrents.
On reconstruction, he noted that the AANES manages oil, gas, and key infrastructure to provide essential services, stressing that Syria’s natural wealth must serve all Syrians through transparent and accountable mechanisms.
Chiya Kurd also criticized the current electoral framework, pointing to its lack of neutrality and the exclusion of regions such as Raqqa, Hasakah, and Suwayda. He emphasized that dialogue with Damascus must remain Syrian-led, with external powers playing only a supportive role.
He further warned of the persistent threat of ISIS resurgence and highlighted the importance of continued Global Coalition support, while noting the shifting influence of Russia and Iran.
Badran Chiya Kurd concluded that the AANES’s priority is safeguarding stability, protection, and equitable governance across northeastern Syria.