17.07.2025 12:56
With the PKK's decision to lay down arms, attention has turned to the YPG following the critical turning point in the "Terror-Free Turkey" process. İlham Ahmed, a prominent representative of the Syrian Kurds, stated regarding the issue, "Groups in Syria are still maintaining their presence, and the threat continues. Therefore, we are talking about a process of integration rather than a disarmament process."
Ilham Ahmed, a prominent politician among Syrian Kurds, answered BBC Turkish's questions regarding relations with Turkey and negotiations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the central Syrian government.
Ahmed, who used positive expressions regarding the "Turkey without terrorism" process, stated, "We hope that these steps will be reciprocated with mutual steps, thus leading to positive outcomes for both the Kurdish people and Turkey."
WILL THE YPG LAY DOWN ARMS?
Turkey argues that the YPG and SDF, which are seen as branches of the PKK in the region, should also lay down their arms as part of the process. When asked whether they would lay down their arms, Ahmed said, "The situation in Syria is really different," and added:
"We have a unique character within the structure of Syrian society. Our struggle and resistance against ISIS have a unique nature. These groups still continue to exist, and the threat persists. Therefore, we are talking about a process of integration rather than a disarmament process in Syria."
In addition, Ahmed states that there is still a security problem in Syria:
"Syria still does not have a permanent constitution. The security situation continues to be chaotic. Syria is still experiencing security issues. Therefore, the SDF could be a strong part of the Syrian army and play a role as a force that ensures security and stability throughout Syrian territory."
"NEGOTIATIONS WITH DAMASCUS HAVE NOT COLLAPSED"
The new leader of Syria, Ahmed Shara, and SDF leader Mazlum Abdi signed an eight-point agreement on March 10. The agreement, which was agreed to be implemented by the end of the year, foresaw the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army and the connection of SDF-controlled areas to Damascus. To implement this agreement, the parties met in Damascus on July 9.
When we reminded Ahmed of comments in some media outlets that the negotiations had collapsed, he rejected this:
"The negotiations have not collapsed. It is normal to have misunderstandings and disagreements during some meetings held during the negotiations, especially since Syrians have not dialogued with each other for years."
Ahmed stated that these discussions need to continue for Syria to transition to a secure environment and "for a truly new Syria to be established." He said that they saw "positive signs from both sides" regarding the meeting and added:
"There is a consensus on broad national issues such as the territorial integrity of Syria and the unity of the state. These are fundamental points that can be accepted as common ground. However, there are other issues that require intense dialogue to reach serious results."
Ahmed stated that "the visions regarding the integration process" need to be unified for the implementation of the March 10 agreement.
“EXTENDED AUTHORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO CITIES AND REGIONS”
Ahmed stated that integration is one of the most challenging topics in the negotiations and added:
"Of course, this is a difficult subject. However, I believe there is a common decision reflected in the agreement regarding integration. We have no intention of creating alternative structures in the military or administrative field outside the framework of the state. What is important is to maintain a model of democracy that guarantees the rights of women in Syria and respects the rights and differences of the various components of society. Additionally, extended authority should be given to cities and regions to prevent all powers from being concentrated in the hands of the central government's ministries. Within this framework, we need to develop mechanisms for the integration process."
WHAT DOES HE SAY ABOUT US CRITICISMS?
Tom Barrack, the U.S. special representative for Syria, stated shortly after the meeting in Damascus that Washington does not support the establishment of a separate state by the Kurds in Syria. Barrack claimed that the integration agreement signed by the Damascus administration and the SDF on March 10 "did not work," saying, "If you can't agree, don't agree, but we won't babysit and mediate here forever."
In response to Barrack's criticisms, Ahmed commented: "He made a few statements that vary somewhat depending on the situation and environment. However, in any case, I can say that the U.S. administration has taken responsibility for the Syrian issue more assertively than ever before. The efforts of the U.S. are appreciated. So are the efforts of France. These discussions may take longer for them, but to be honest, we Syrians are in a hurry. We see that the Syrians are tired of war, chaos, and displacement."
Ahmed stated that to avoid misunderstandings, they need to be "in constant communication" with Barrack.
DO THEY HAVE INDEPENDENCE GOALS?
In his statements, Barrack also said, "The Druze want it to be Druze land. The Alawites want it to be Alawite land. The Kurds want it to be Kurdistan. Damascus says this will not happen, and all roads will lead to Damascus: One country, one nation, one army."
Ahmed rejected the claim that there are goals for an independent Kurdish state or federalism:
"The nation-state model has lost its validity. Today's models are more developed and fully guarantee the rights of different cultures and ethnic groups, whether cultural, political, social, or economic. Ahmed advocates for the recognition of the rights of all ethnic groups in Syria in the constitution and stated that they support a model that will enable local communities to have the authority to meet their needs.
In response to the question, "How do you describe the model you are asking for?" he answered:
"The expression of decentralization within the framework of local governance reflects this situation of living together. This means you have a region with decentralized authorities represented by all the groups living within it. In other words, this is a form of local governance."
* This interview was conducted just before the deepening of conflicts in Syria's Suwayda region and Israel's airstrike on Damascus.