11.03.2025 10:11
A surprising agreement has been signed between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDG member Ferhad Abdi Shahin, emphasizing the unity of Syrian territory and rejecting division. As this unexpected agreement has made headlines, Ankara's reaction to it is being closely watched. According to information leaked to the press, it has been stated that Ankara is pleased with the agreement and its terms.
The agreement signed between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDG member Ferhad Abdi Şahin emphasizes the unity of Syrian territory and rejects division. The reaction of Turkey to this surprise agreement is eagerly awaited. CNN Türk's Ankara Representative Dicle Canova conveyed Ankara's evaluations regarding the agreement.
HERE ARE THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT
In a photo post made from the Syrian Presidency's X account, it was stated that the agreement envisions the integration of Syrian Arab Republic institutions and rejects division. The post also included the text of the signed agreement.
The terms of the agreement are as follows:
1- Ensuring the representation and political participation rights of all Syrians, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, based on merit.
2- Recognizing the Kurdish community as an inseparable part of Syria and guaranteeing their constitutional rights.
3- A ceasefire across all Syrian territories.
4- Integrating all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria, including border crossings, airports, and oil and gas fields, under state administration.
5- Ensuring that all displaced Syrians return to their homes under state protection.
6- Supporting Syria's fight against all threats to the remnants of Assad and its security and unity.
7- Rejecting calls for division, hate speech, and attempts to create discord.
8- Implementation committees will work to put the agreement into effect by the end of the year.
HOW DOES ANKARA VIEW THE AGREEMENT?
CNN Türk's Ankara Representative Dicle Canova conveyed Ankara's initial comments on the agreement. Canova, who participated in a live broadcast, shared the following information:
The atmosphere in Ankara is positive. I can genuinely say there is satisfaction from Ankara's perspective. Why? If we look at the terms of the agreement, sources say it is positive for us at this stage. The points that Ankara has always defended are present in these terms. For example, the first point. The representation of all Syrians in the political process and state borders based on their abilities, independent of their religious and cultural backgrounds. The recognition of the Kurdish community as an essential part of the Syrian state, and the assurance of citizenship rights and constitutional guarantees for the Kurds there. These are positive. Why? What does Ankara say? The representation of all groups and ethnicities in the new administration in proportion to their weight, meaning an inclusive governance, an inclusive new Syria.
"ANKARA WELCOMES THE TERMS"
In this sense, Ankara certainly welcomes these terms. The establishment of a ceasefire across Syria is also very important. What does this mean? A conflict-free environment. On the other hand, especially this point is very significant in northeastern Syria. All military institutions will be placed under state administration. This will include border gates, airports, and oil and gas fields. What does Ankara say? There cannot be an army within an army, there cannot be a state within a state. In this regard, a separate administration in northeastern Syria, where the management of oil and gas fields is in the hands of others, will come to an end. From now on, the Syrian state will begin to manage these areas as well. In other words, there will be no state within a state.
"THE CURRENT COMMAND OF THE YPG WILL BE REMOVED"
Ah, the issue of there not being an army within an army. So at this point, now the YPG, you know, has always been debated, will it integrate into the Syrian army, but will it integrate as a separate branch army? Ankara has already said that this is unacceptable, there cannot be an army within an army. Now it seems that, although it is early, it is clear that in the first phase, the current command of the YPG will be removed. Sources say it will not be long before this happens. Starting tomorrow, different commanders may be appointed, and expectations are in this direction. And later, of course, there are expectations that full integration into the Syrian National Army can be achieved, and it is expressed that this process will not take long and new commanders may be appointed starting tomorrow.
"THE YPG'S JUSTIFICATION FOR EXISTENCE HAS ALSO DISAPPEARED"
Now, one of the justifications for the existence of the YPG, you know, was the fight against ISIS. It was the prisons there. Not long ago, a five-party meeting was held in Jordan this weekend, and an important decision was made, a statement was released. From now on, the Syrian government will take over the prisons there, but other countries, neighboring countries will also support this. A joint combat center will be established. As I said, it is expected that this joint combat center will be established either in Turkey or in Jordan. It has not been finalized yet. Technical discussions are ongoing. But this step taken this weekend has certainly eliminated the last justification for the YPG's existence. Now let me also say this, will there be a support training activity for the Syrian National Army from Turkey, from the Turkish Armed Forces? In the later stages, military cooperation agreements between Syria and Turkey will also be on the agenda. And as you know, a military attaché has also been appointed there recently. Starting next week, let me emphasize this, military discussions may accelerate. In fact, some visits may also be expected starting next week. At this point, the YPG's signing of this agreement and gradually integrating into the Syrian National Army is also significant in that sense.