Latest news with #Kurdishforces
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Syria's President Sharaa hopes for Kurdish deal to prevent conflict
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed hope that his country would avoid military conflict with US-backed Kurdish forces if efforts to integrate their autonomous administration in northeast Syria into the state structure collapse. In remarks late on Saturday to senior figures from Idlib, where he has mustered loyalist forces, Sharaa said Kurdish leaders had signalled readiness to move forward with a landmark deal in March to bring their Kurdish-run areas under state authority. But their actions on the ground suggested otherwise, he told the publicised forum. 'At times on the ground there are signals opposite to what they say in the negotiations,' Sharaa said. Turkey and Washington, the main powers backing the deal to integrate Syria's oil-rich northeast into the state, wanted to resolve the issue peacefully, Sharaa said. 'These parties are pushing for a solution peacefully. I hope we don't enter into a dispute. I am hopeful in a few months we will resolve it,' he said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Syria's Sharaa hopes for Kurdish deal to prevent conflict
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) -Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed hope that his country would avoid military conflict with U.S.-backed Kurdish forces if efforts to integrate their autonomous administration in northeast Syria into the state structure collapse. In remarks late on Saturday to senior figures from Idlib, where he has mustered loyalist forces, Sharaa said Kurdish leaders had signalled readiness to move forward with a landmark deal in March to bring their Kurdish-run areas under state authority. But their actions on the ground suggested otherwise, he told the publicised forum. 'At times on the ground there are signals opposite to what they say in the negotiations,' Sharaa said. Turkey and Washington, the main powers backing the deal to integrate Syria's oil-rich northeast into the state, wanted to resolve the issue peacefully, Sharaa said. "These parties are pushing for a solution peacefully. I hope we don't enter into a dispute. I am hopeful in a few months we will resolve it," he said. The collapse of follow-up talks since the March deal has escalated tensions in the region, triggering fresh clashes this month between government troops and the Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, which controls parts of northeast Syria where Arabs form a majority, has recently fortified extensive tunnel networks along the frontlines. Many tribal Arabs accuse the SDF of discriminatory policies - claims Kurdish officials deny. CONCERN OVER MAJOR ESCALATION Turkey-backed rebels have also reinforced their positions amid concerns over a potential large-scale escalation in hostilities, officials say. Ankara has warned of military action against the SDF, whichit considers a terrorist organisation and has targeted in pastcross-border operations. It expects the Syrian government toaddress its security concerns but says it reserves the right tomount an offensive if needed. U.S. envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack - an advocate for a strong, unified Syrian state - voiced concern last month over Kurdish delays in implementing the March deal, urging faster progress. Authorities in Damascus reacted earlier this month angrily to a recent SDF conference calling for greater decentralisation and which demanded a review of a constitutional declaration it said discriminated against minorities, a move officials said threatened Syria's territorial integrity. Syrian officials said any military push against the SDF would rely on Turkish-backed factions operating in northern Syria, adding that Ankara has grown impatient with what it sees as Kurdish foot-dragging. Sharaa said those who sought partition were 'dreaming' and insisted the country would not give up any stretch of territory. He also criticised Druze groups seeking support from Israel in their confrontation with Damascus. Thousands joined a large Druze protest in Sweida on Saturday, demanding self-determination, hoisting Israeli flags and praising Israel for a military intervention that forced Syrian forces to retreat after hundreds of people were killed last month. Sharaa acknowledged that 'violations' had been committed by security forces and army personnel in Sweida, but said Druze militias had also perpetrated crimes. Solve the daily Crossword
Reuters
a day ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Syria's Sharaa hopes for Kurdish deal to prevent conflict
AMMAN, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed hope that his country would avoid military conflict with U.S.-backed Kurdish forces if efforts to integrate their autonomous administration in northeast Syria into the state structure collapse. In remarks late on Saturday to senior figures from Idlib, where he has mustered loyalist forces, Sharaa said Kurdish leaders had signalled readiness to move forward with a landmark deal in March to bring their Kurdish-run areas under state authority. But their actions on the ground suggested otherwise, he told the publicised forum. 'At times on the ground there are signals opposite to what they say in the negotiations,' Sharaa said. Turkey and Washington, the main powers backing the deal to integrate Syria's oil-rich northeast into the state, wanted to resolve the issue peacefully, Sharaa said. "These parties are pushing for a solution peacefully. I hope we don't enter into a dispute. I am hopeful in a few months we will resolve it," he said. The collapse of follow-up talks since the March deal has escalated tensions in the region, triggering fresh clashes this month between government troops and the Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, which controls parts of northeast Syria where Arabs form a majority, has recently fortified extensive tunnel networks along the frontlines. Many tribal Arabs accuse the SDF of discriminatory policies - claims Kurdish officials deny. Turkey-backed rebels have also reinforced their positions amid concerns over a potential large-scale escalation in hostilities, officials say. Ankara has warned of military action against the SDF, which it considers a terrorist organisation and has targeted in past cross-border operations. It expects the Syrian government to address its security concerns but says it reserves the right to mount an offensive if needed. U.S. envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack - an advocate for a strong, unified Syrian state - voiced concern last month over Kurdish delays in implementing the March deal, urging faster progress. Authorities in Damascus reacted earlier this month angrily to a recent SDF conference calling for greater decentralisation and which demanded a review of a constitutional declaration it said discriminated against minorities, a move officials said threatened Syria's territorial integrity. Syrian officials said any military push against the SDF would rely on Turkish-backed factions operating in northern Syria, adding that Ankara has grown impatient with what it sees as Kurdish foot-dragging. Sharaa said those who sought partition were 'dreaming' and insisted the country would not give up any stretch of territory. He also criticised Druze groups seeking support from Israel in their confrontation with Damascus. Thousands joined a large Druze protest in Sweida on Saturday, demanding self-determination, hoisting Israeli flags and praising Israel for a military intervention that forced Syrian forces to retreat after hundreds of people were killed last month. Sharaa acknowledged that 'violations' had been committed by security forces and army personnel in Sweida, but said Druze militias had also perpetrated crimes.
LBCI
12-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Kurdish PKK disbands and ends Turkey insurgency: PKK-linked agency
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with the Turkish state for more than four decades, decided to disband and end its armed struggle, a news agency close to the group reported Monday. The PKK decision is set to have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region, including in neighboring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with U.S. forces. "The PKK has completed its historic mission," the group said, according to the Firat news agency, which published what it said was the closing declaration of a congress that the PKK held last week in northern Iraq where it is based. The PKK held the congress in response to a call in February from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan to disband. "The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK'S organizational structure, with the practical process to be managed and carried out by Leader Apo, and to end the armed struggle method," the statement said, using Ocalan's nickname. Reuters
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kurdish PKK disbands and ends Turkey insurgency, PKK-linked agency says
(Reuters) -The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been in conflict with the Turkish state for more than four decades, has decided to dissolve itself and end its armed struggle, a news agency close to the group reported on Monday. The PKK decision is set to have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region, including in neighbouring Syria where Kurdish forces are allied with U.S. forces. The Firat news agency published what it said was the closing declaration of a congress that the PKK held last week in northern Iraq, in response to a call in February from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan to disband. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's office and the foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the announcement. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984. It is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies.
