Syrian Government warns Kurds against delay in integrating into state

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani has urged the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to promptly implement an agreement integrating their autonomous administration into the Syrian state, Arab News reported. Speaking in Ankara, Al-Shaibani warned that delaying the deal, signed in March by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, would prolong chaos, invite foreign interference, and fuel separatism.

The agreement aims to incorporate the civil and military institutions of the Kurdish administration in northeast Syria into the central government by the end of 2025. Al-Shaibani emphasized that Syria’s unity is non-negotiable and assured that Kurdish citizens’ rights will be preserved equally.

The SDF controls much of Syria’s oil and gas fields and is dominated by the Kurdish YPG, which Turkey views as linked to the PKK. Recently, the PKK announced its disbandment, a move Al-Shaibani called pivotal for regional stability. The SDF has yet to comment on the PKK’s decision but maintains its independence from the group.

The Kurdish administration has criticized the new government for not reflecting Syria’s diversity fully.