The Council of Scholars and the Assembly of Scholars in Hesekê organized a meeting under the slogan: “Together, shoulder to shoulder toward unity and peace to protect our society. Civil peace is our shared responsibility; our word is one and our security is one. There is no place for sedition or hate speech.”
The meeting, held in a hall in the city of Hesekê, was attended by representatives of Arab and Kurdish tribes, other components, intellectuals, and representatives of political parties.
Speaking at the meeting, Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated that they are in the process of implementing the January 29 agreement they signed.
Abdi emphasized that this agreement constitutes a fundamental framework for all future steps. He noted that in recent days they held comprehensive talks with international actors, particularly with all countries involved in the Syrian file. He added that everyone supports the implementation of the agreement.
The SDF Commander General stated that the most important issue for the region is the implementation of the agreement in all areas mentioned therein, including Afrin, Serêkaniyê, Kobanê, and Hesekê.
Abdi said that significant steps have been taken toward a permanent ceasefire and that the process is ongoing, expressing hope that the ceasefire will continue and evolve into lasting peace in the region.
He affirmed that the SDF will implement the agreement to secure durable peace.
Regarding military matters, Abdi remarked that implementation has been somewhat delayed; forces were supposed to withdraw from the frontlines on the second day of the agreement, but this step has now been successfully completed.
He noted that certain issues persist in Kobanê, and that talks are ongoing to lift the siege and withdraw forces to their bases. Efforts to implement these measures continue.
Abdi stated that the agreement has two dimensions: one concerning the Kurdish component and the other encompassing all components.
He underscored that the most important aspect is the integration of institutions. Steps have already been taken to ensure the success of this process, he noted.
In the coming days, serious efforts will be made to integrate institutions that have been operating in the region for more than 12 years, said Abdi and stressed that the success of the unity process is a fundamental condition for implementing the agreement.
He stated that an agreement has been reached to unify military forces within brigades under the system of the Ministry of Defense, and work in this regard is ongoing.
Abdi acknowledged that there is an issue concerning the appointment of a Deputy Minister of Defense, noting that a representative of their forces will hold a position within the ministry, though the name has not yet been announced.
He emphasized that the presence of all fighters who fought against ISIS, defended the region against Turkish attacks, were wounded, and lost comrades as martyrs must be preserved, and that their experience in counterterrorism should be utilized. All fighters, including commanders, will take part in the new system, and progress has been made in this regard, he added.
On the security situation, Abdi stated that the security structure in place since 2012 will be maintained and that it is important for security personnel to maintain their roles within the Ministry of Interior.
He added that some ministerial delegations have arrived in the region to support the integration process, and that implementation will begin in the coming days. A high-level administrative committee has been established to oversee the integration.
Although obstacles exist, Abdi stated that integration will be accelerated in response to provocations, hate speech, and attempts to sabotage the agreement.
Abdi noted that they held a meeting in Munich with the transitional government’s Foreign Minister and intelligence chief. “All issues were addressed during the meeting, and we agreed to accelerate the implementation of the measures. It was also agreed to establish administrative committees from both sides and to expedite integration efforts at the level of Hesekê and its institutions. All components will preserve their positions and participate in the reconstruction of the province,” he said.
Calling for unity against attempts at sedition, Abdi stated that an agreement has been reached on preserving the specific characteristics of the Kurdish regions, explaining that this means the people of the region will govern their own areas at all levels within the framework of the state structure. He said that all components will jointly administer the region and that the distinctive features of the Kurds will be safeguarded in their own areas. He added that international meetings in Munich made clear the necessity of avoiding a new war and implementing the provisions of the agreement, adding that commitments were also made regarding the rights of the Kurdish people.
The SDF Commander-in-Chief emphasized that the current phase represents a new process, stating: “Lessons must be learned from past mistakes. The future is more important. Despite the mistakes that have occurred, we must not lose hope. We must look ahead and rely on a clear roadmap.”
Finally, Abdi stated that consensus is the path to the success of reconciliation, the preservation of lasting peace, and the prevention of sedition.
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