The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council rejected a constitutional declaration by new Islamist authorities in Damascus, stating it does not adequately protect the rights of Syria’s communities. UN Envoy Geir Pedersen called for an inclusive governance approach and investigations into recent sectarian violence, expressing concern over potential repercussions for Kurdish autonomy under the new regime.
On Friday, the Kurdish-led group governing northeast Syria rejected a constitutional declaration from the new Islamist authorities in Damascus, calling for its revision. The declaration, issued on Thursday by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, outlines a five-year interim governance period and emphasizes the importance of Islamic law while promoting freedom of opinion. However, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) argued that the framework inadequately safeguards the rights of Syria’s diverse communities.
In Geneva, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged the newly established leadership in Damascus to create an inclusive transitional government. He also called for an investigation into recent sectarian violence that resulted in significant casualties. Pedersen underscored the critical situation Syria faces as it marks the 14th anniversary of the liberation uprising against former President Assad, which evolved into a widespread conflict.
Kurdish authorities, having established an autonomous governance structure during the conflict, express concern that the new officials will undermine their rights, such as Kurdish language education and women’s representation in governance. The SDC issued a statement on Friday denouncing Sharaa’s constitutional declaration, perceiving it as a re-enactment of authoritarian governance that concentrates power within the executive branch.
The SDC emphasized the need for a revised decree that ensures fair distribution of powers through a decentralized system. They asserted that any legitimate constitutional declaration necessitates genuine national consensus rather than being unilaterally imposed by a single party. The SDC serves as the political arm of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which recently reached an agreement with Damascus to participate in the new governmental institutions.
Implementation of this agreement is expected by the year’s end, although it remains unclear how the SDF’s military integration into the Syrian defense framework will occur. Pedersen expressed hope that Sharaa’s declaration would facilitate Syria’s transition towards law and order while addressing the aftermath of sectarian violence attributed to government-aligned fighters. He reiterated the need for an independent inquiry into the recent violent outbreaks, highlighting the risk of mistrust undermining the overall transition effort.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council has unequivocally rejected the recent constitutional framework presented by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, citing inadequate protections for diverse communities within Syria. The UN Special Envoy has urged for an inclusive approach to governance and called for investigations into sectarian violence. As Syria navigates its complex political landscape, concerns remain that the new leadership may threaten the autonomy previously established by Kurdish authorities. A just and decentralized governance structure is deemed essential for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
