Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), delivered a speech at the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD or SDC) in Hesekê city.
Abdi described the fall of the Baath regime as the beginning of a new Syria project, saying that the Assad regime fell as a result of the decades-long determination and struggle of all components of Syria.
Abdi stated: “The overthrow of Assad was the first stage of the revolution. The Syrian people’s happiness will not be complete until their demands are met. The Syrian people’s goal was not to overthrow the regime, but to establish a new system based on freedom. In order to achieve the goals of the revolution, a new system based on freedom must be established.”
Abdi pointed out that the Baath regime was a repressive regime operating on the basis of uniformity, stressing that all components of Syria should build their own administration and govern themselves.
The SDF Commander-in-Chief noted that the international community was pleased with the fall of the Baath regime, which, he said, gave Syria the opportunity to take its place in the international arena and the Middle East. He remarked that everyone was working to ensure Syria took steps forward.
Drawing attention to the March 10 agreement signed with the Syrian transitional government, Abdi said, “With the aim of establishing a new Syria and ending the war through agreements, we entered into relations with the Transitional Government around this time last year. As a result, meetings were held with the help of some of our friends, and the March 10 agreement was signed. We have been working in accordance with this agreement for some time now.”
Describing the March 10 agreement as the foundation of the new Syria, Abdi stated, “The provisions of the agreement are historic. These will be the foundations of Syria’s strength. The international and regional community supports the agreement. We, as the SDF and the Autonomous Administration, are more determined than anyone else. We know that the agreement is the foundation of the new Syria.”
Abdi also pointed out the obstacles to the agreement, saying, “There are many problems. Syria has emerged from war. However, there are concerns about new wars. The problems continue. There is hate speech. Some do not want a solution to be reached, they oppose this agreement and want to destroy it. However, we are determined to implement all the articles of this agreement with the contribution of our friends in the International Coalition, the Kurdish people in other regions, and the people of the region. The process is going through difficulties. But we are moving forward. There are many questions. Some wonder whether it will be resolved by the New Year. We say we are trying to complete it by the end of the year. The important thing is that we work on the agreement and move forward so that the talks can continue.”
Remarking that the process is not normal but a sensitive one, Abdi said, “There are developments. The agreement concerns neighboring countries as well. Neighboring countries are no longer against us as they used to be. The SDF is not an excuse for war. We are ready for a solution in line with the March 10 agreement. We ask everyone to support the process. As the SDF and security forces, we have agreed on a general framework, and our delegations are discussing the details.”
Expressing their hope to bring good news to Syrians and reach a military agreement in Syria before the new year, Abdi noted that there were other political and administrative steps concerning the Kurds, but that they needed time.
Abdi continued: “In terms of governance, especially in regions such as Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasakah, we want the future of these regions to be in the hands of their own people. We are working towards this; we do not want anyone from outside to govern these regions. After all their sacrifices, the people of the region have the right to govern their regions. We must work together in North and East Syria to reach a solution with Damascus; our response must be clear, and our people’s demands must be explicit.”
Abdi remarked that Kurdish parties are national parties and have been fighting for their rights for a long time, stating, “The March 10 agreement clearly states that the constitution must be renewed and that the rights of Kurds and Syrian components must be guaranteed in the new constitution. The March 10 agreement states that not only national demands but also religious demands must be guaranteed in the constitution as a fundamental point.”
Abdi added that talks with Damascus were continuing and that there were also developments on the military front.
Abdi also drew attention to hate speech, stating that those who want war and engage in hate speech will be defeated. He emphasized that Syrians want a solution for their country, not war, and that the efforts of those who incite war will not succeed.
Noting that there have been many changes and that integration will bring many more, Abdi said, “First of all, integration is an opportunity for the Autonomous Administration and political parties to take strong steps toward the return of the components of North and East Syria, to move toward a new process, and to overcome negativities. This will be a starting point for the reconstruction of North and East Syria and will serve as an example for all provinces of Syria.”
Mazlum Abdi concluded: “At a time when there is no common understanding, sectarian and ethnic conflicts are widespread, and terrorism is on the rise, the MSD emerged with a new policy and message. The MSD has played a significant role in the stability of the region and all of Syria. At this stage, and as a result of 10 years of experience, we are entering a new phase, and the FSD will play a new role in building Syria’s future.”