Latest news with #KamizShadadi
Rudaw Net
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Russia considers SDF-Damascus deal ‘important' step towards Syrian stability
Also in World Ukrainians hopeful but wary about possible Russia ceasefire European parliament discusses Syria US sanctions Sweden-based Kurdish gang leader over Iran-linked attacks Flights affected as workers strike at 13 airports in Germany A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that Moscow welcomes the recent agreement between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus, adding that the move is an 'important' step towards the war-torn country's security and stability. 'This agreement signed between the Syrian authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces leadership is considered an important step toward ensuring Syrian unity and strengthening the country's security and stability,' Maria Zakharova told Rudaw's Kamiz Shadadi during a press briefing. 'We understand that the practical implementation of these agreements will undoubtedly face many difficulties, threats, and various problems, and to overcome these difficulties, constructive efforts must continue, and certainly, they must be prepared for compromises. We hope that both sides will be able to achieve this,' she added. Russia, which was a strong supporter of Syria's ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, has made efforts to restore ties with the new administration in Damascus. Russians used to play the role of a mediator between the regime and the SDF. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi signed a landmark agreement on Monday to integrate all civil and military institutions in the predominantly Kurdish northeast Syria (Rojava) into the state institutions and the handover of the control of border crossings and oil fields. SDF is the main ally of the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). It is also the de facto army of northeast Syria (Rojava). SDF-affiliated media cited its spokesperson downplaying the agreement with Damascus, stating that the SDF will remain in control of oil fields.
Rudaw Net
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Damascus has no problem with Kurds: Analyst
Also in Syria 4 arrested in Afrin for raising Kurdistan flag 270,000 Syrian refugees return home: UNHCR USAID suspension worsens conditions in Rojava camps: Watchdog SDF could be 'significant asset' for Syrian army: Brigade spokesperson A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurds and the new Syrian administration have very different aspirations for the country, but the biggest threat for Kurds comes from Ankara, not Damascus, a Russian analyst said. 'I don't believe that Damascus will want to control the Kurds by force. Damascus is not in that position. The Kurds, as I correctly understand, have no issues with Damascus,' Fyodor Lukyanov, research director of the Valdai Discussion Club and chairman of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, told Rudaw's Kamiz Shadadi on Thursday. Many Syrians and foreign powers are worried that the new government may impose strict Islamic rule and threaten minority groups such as Kurds, Druze, Christians, and Alawites. The Kurdish-controlled northeast and the Druze in the south of Syria, therefore, have remained adamant about their vision of federalism and decentralization, despite the new Islamist authorities in Damascus vehemently rejecting the prospect - at times labeling it a 'red line.' Last week, SDF chief Mazloum Abdi told the Associated Press that their vision for Syria is a 'decentralized, secular, and civil country based on democracy that preserves the rights of all its components.' Abdi stressed that the Kurds want to remain in Syria as part of a united country. Damascus wants to bring the northeast under its control through negotiation. 'We are not inclined toward a military solution,' Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told the Washington Post last week. Kurds in Syria have bigger issues with Ankara, according to Lukyanov. 'How Turkey will act, what goals it will set for itself, that will be the determining factor,' he said. Ankara claims that the People's Protection Units (YPG) - the backbone of the US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - is the Syrian front for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a designated terrorist group in Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last week ruled out federalism in Syria and said Damascus will either expel PKK members from the country or 'eliminate them.'
