We will be part of the process of building Syria’s new army
Abdi added in an exclusive interview with Sky News Arabia: “When we announced the Syrian Democratic Forces in 2015, we said that the forces would be part of Syria’s defense system in the future, and now as long as there is a process of building a new Syrian army, we will be part of this process.”
He said that he agrees with the new Syrian administration on the basic issues related to the Syrian future.
Abdi added: “We agree regarding the territorial integrity of Syria, but as you know, there are many practical details that the Syrians are waiting for to find a solution for.”
He continued: “In general and in principle, we agree on the basic issues related to the Syrian future.”
Abdi also spoke about the national conference that is currently being prepared in Syria, saying: “We have not been invited yet, but our point of view on this issue is that representatives of all Syrian components, regions, and forces should participate in preparing for this conference, and all representatives must also agree.” The Syrian people participating in the conference about its results. Without that, I do not think this conference would succeed.”
In response to a question about whether he would participate in the conference as the “SDF” and the Autonomous Administration, or as a joint delegation with the Kurdish National Council, Abdi said: “We are keen for all representatives of all components in northeastern Syria to participate, representatives of the political forces and existing components and those “Including the Kurdish forces as well, and this is necessary for a strong representation of our region in the political dialogue process.”
Abdi also spoke about the fighting axes and clashes in the vicinity of Kobani and Manbij, which have been ongoing for more than a month, after the fall of the Assad regime, as well as the Tishreen Dam, in whose vicinity the Autonomous Administration appealed to the international community to intervene to stop the Turkish attacks.
He said: “Our forces are still committed to the declared truce, but we are forced to defend against the continuing attacks of the armed factions loyal to Turkey in the Tishreen Dam axis, as well as against all the attacks carried out by Turkish warplanes and drones.”
He added: “Hence, I stress once again that all forces involved in the Syrian file, especially the new administration in Damascus, must intervene and oblige these factions to stop their attacks on the Tishreen Dam, and work on a comprehensive ceasefire process in all of Syria.”
Abdi also commented on a proposal to turn Kobani into a demilitarized zone, saying: “We presented it in order to address the concerns that Turkey claims about its national security, and our proposal still stands and we have not yet received a negative answer about it.” We hope there will be an agreement because it will mean good for all of Syria.”
Since the fall of Assad’s rule, confrontations have continued between Kurdish forces and Syrian factions loyal to Turkey in northern Syria.
The Syrian Democratic Forces still control large areas of northeastern Syria and part of Deir ez-Zor Governorate (east), especially the eastern bank of the Euphrates River.
These areas are subject to self-administration that was established by the Kurds at the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011, after government forces withdrew from a large part of them.
Turkish influence and relationship with Washington
As for his vision for dealing with Turkey in the next stage, Abdi said: “I want to emphasize that we are still working to achieve a reduction in escalation with Turkey and resolve the issues between us through negotiation, but in order to achieve this, Turkey must abandon the policy of pushing its armed groups to attack Turkey.” Our forces in these areas, destabilizing security and stability throughout Syria.”
He added: “Turkey can, if it wants, carry out constructive and positive work in the entire political process currently taking place in Syria, but without excluding any party, including representatives of the political components and forces in northeastern Syria.”
On the other hand, Abdi considered that the relationship between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Washington became stronger after the fall of Assad.
He said: “I can say that the relationship was positively affected, because the fall of the regime created a large security vacuum that ISIS powerfully exploited.” ISIS obtained new weapons and capabilities and its threat increased further, and this led to the necessity of increasing coordination with American forces in fighting terrorism in general.”
The return of “Kurdistan”
He also commented on the possibility of removing members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party from the regions of northeastern Syria if Turkey and the factions loyal to it stop their attacks on this region, while reaching a complete ceasefire agreement in the region.
Abdi said: “Of course, we previously confirmed that we called on Kurdish fighters to help our forces and people defend our regions against ISIS attacks, and we linked this to stopping operations and reaching a truce and comprehensive peace in Syria.” So far, this has not been achieved in our regions, and when it happens, of course, these fighters will return to their places through a mechanism that will be agreed upon with the authorities concerned with this matter.”
He also spoke about fears that Syria was heading towards division, saying: “This is what no Syrian patriot wants.” For our part in the Syrian Democratic Forces, we work to preserve the unity of Syrian territory and the unity of all components of the Syrian people.”
Abdi concluded: “In order to achieve this, all representatives of the Syrian people and components must participate in the political process, and the majority of Syrians must agree on the form of future governance for their country.” (Sky News)
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