RIHA – Syria Democratic Union Party (PYD) Co-chair Xerîb Hiso stated that the discussion on the disarmament of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was imposed by external powers, emphasizing that “problems are solved through dialogue” and that “stability will come when people return to their homes.”
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, came to an end about a year ago after the Damascus government reached a settlement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). However, tensions persist as the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) continues to advocate for a decentralized system, while Turkey and the HTS-backed interim government push for a centralized state model. Ankara frequently issues statements targeting the “complete elimination of Kurds from Syria,” pressuring the interim government to adopt these positions.
Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency (MA), PYD Co-chair Xerîb Hiso assessed recent political and military developments, the March 10 Agreement between the SDf and the Syrian Interim Government, Turkey’s role in Syria, and the implications of Abdullah Ocalan’s “Peace and Democratic Society Process.”
Hiso stated that despite the change in the Assad regime, “massacres, chaos and clashes continue,” and noted that the March 10 Agreement had initially raised strong hopes for a political and military solution. He said: “Although eight months have passed, no serious progress has been made. This agreement would resolve the issues of all peoples in Syria, but some forces do not want that.”
‘SDF IS THE SELF-DEFENSE FORCE OF THE PEOPLES’
Drawing attention to negotiations had regained momentum after being stalled for a month, Hiso said the push to disarm the SDF was “an external imposition.” Hiso said: “To be disarmed is to be without will. Disarmament does not exist in the March 10 Agreement. Once this condition was removed, talks resumed. SDF, as a military force, is in dialogue with the Syrian Ministry of Defence. Without military progress, a nationwide ceasefire cannot be achieved. Every issue in Syria today is linked to defence. DAESH is not yet defeated; without a military agreement, economic and social problems will not be solved. The SDF is the peoples’ self-defense force. Any integration must be built on democratic foundations.”
‘THERE ARE FORCES THAT DO NOT WANT A SOLUTION’
Hiso accused paramilitary groups in occupied regions of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts. “They are on the side of destruction, not reconstruction. They know there is no place for them in a democratic Syria, so they spread hostility and disinformation against the QSD,” he said, noting that attacks on Şêxmeqsûd, Eşrefiyê, and by DAESH sleeper cells were aimed at blocking the path to peace. “Those who obstruct the reconstruction of Syria are committing a crime. Despite all obstacles, progress will continue along the lines of the March 10 Agreement,” he added, highlighting the mediating role of the U.S. and the international coalition.
‘TURKEY MUST CHANGE ITS SYRIA POLICY’
Calling on Turkey to end its interference in Syria, Hiso said: “Turkey has been involved in Syria militarily and politically for 23 years, since the Adana Agreement. Russia and Iran have changed their Syria policies; Turkey must do the same. Syria is an independent state. Turkey cannot pursue expansionist policies. It should support democratic integration instead. If the March 10 Agreement is implemented, it will mark a new beginning for Syria, and Turkey should support that. Continuing to back armed groups will only harm Turkey itself.”
PEACE AND DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY PROCESS
Recalling Abdullah Öcalan’s Peace and Democratic Society Process, Hiso criticized Turkey for failing to take concrete steps. Hiso stressed: “Waiting for developments in Syria before acting is a political mistake. Turkey’s inaction fuels chaos in Syria. Those who desire peace in Turkey must also support peace in Syria. Turkey should engage in dialogue with the Autonomous Administration without delay and declare its intentions in line with the peace process. The question remains: is the interim government in control, or is Turkey? This must be clarified.”
GIRÊ SPÎ, SEREKANIYÊ AND EFRÎN
Hiso warned that misinformation spread by the interim government sought to create instability and stressed that the public “sees what is happening.” He reminded that several cities, including Girê Spî, Serekaniyê, and Efrîn, remain under occupation. He concluded: “The people of these cities are forced to live in tents, while armed groups under Turkey’s control commit rights violations and occupy Kurdish homes. These groups must leave Efrîn. The people will soon return to their homes, and once they do, stability will follow. Preventing their return means blocking the path to a solution. Problems must be solved through dialogue.”
MA / Emrullah Acar