Al-Sheibani urges urgent partnership with SDF to preserve Syria’s unity
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Asaad al-Sheibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian Transitional Government, called on Saturday for an urgent partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to safeguard Syria’s unity and end the suffering of civilians.
Speaking to the state-run al-Ikhbariya TV channel, al-Sheibani said that the absence of the SDF from state institutions “deepens division and fragmentation,” emphasizing what he described as a “historic opportunity” for North and East Syria to play an active role in the country’s future.
“There is a historic chance for Northeast Syria to be a key part of this phase,” al-Sheibani stated. He added, “Failure to reach an agreement with the SDF hampers the interests of civilians and delays the return of displaced people to their homes.”
He further said that President Ahmad al-Sharaa “is keen for the Syrian Democratic Forces to be an essential component of Syria’s future,” noting that the government had succeeded in convincing countries following the SDF issue that “the only viable solution lies in the March 10 agreement, making partnership an urgent necessity.”
Al-Sheibani reiterated that the government “rejects any form of division or federalism,” saying these topics are “not up for negotiation.”
Commenting on the recent unrest in Suwayda Governorate, al-Sheibani described it as a “Syrian wound,” adding that the government’s partners had approved a roadmap to address the situation and that a fact-finding committee was already working on the issue. He urged community leaders and Druze religious figures to help resolve the crisis, asserting that “the matter remains internal and must be handled nationally,” though he accused foreign actors of attempting to exploit it.
Regarding foreign relations, al-Sheibani said that his government seeks to “correct relations with Lebanon” and ensure “a dignified return” for Syrian refugees. He also mentioned that the issue of detainees had become a procedural priority during recent talks with Lebanese officials.
On relations with Russia, al-Sheibani said that “Russia was a partner of the previous regime and participated in the tragedy of Syrians,” noting that “no new agreements have been signed” and that existing deals “remain suspended and are not accepted by the current government.”