The Kurdish-led SDC has rejected a new constitutional declaration from President Ahmed al-Sharaa, advocating for a revised framework that respects the rights of diverse communities. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen calls for an inclusive government and an investigation into sectarian violence. The agreement between the SDF and Damascus aims to transition key resources but lacks clarity on military integration.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) has rejected a constitutional declaration from the new Islamist leadership in Damascus, calling for a complete revision. This declaration, issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to establish a five-year interim government following his recent rise to power. It emphasizes the role of Islamic law while also advocating for freedom of opinion, but the SDC argues it fails to sufficiently protect the rights of diverse Syrian communities.
In Geneva, U.N. special envoy Geir Pedersen urged the new Damascus authorities to create an inclusive transitional government and called for an investigation into recent sectarian violence that resulted in numerous deaths. He emphasized that “Syria now stands at a pivotal moment” as the 14th anniversary of the uprising against Bashar al-Assad approaches.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Kurdish authorities have established an autonomous administration following years of marginalization. They express concern that Sharaa’s leadership could threaten their advancements, particularly regarding the Kurdish language and women’s representation in governance. The SDC criticized the declaration as perpetuating authoritarianism and demanded a more equitable distribution of power and a decentralized governance system.
The SDC, representing the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, recently signed an agreement with the Damascus government to facilitate the transition. This pact includes yielding control of key resources and border crossings but does not clarify the integration of SDF operations into Syria’s defense ministry.
Envoy Pedersen expressed hope that Sharaa’s declaration would guide Syria towards restoring the rule of law and ensuring an orderly transition. Despite Sharaa’s public commitment to inclusivity, he has faced ongoing violence attributed to factions within his government, prompting calls for accountability.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council has expressed strong opposition to the new constitutional framework set forth by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive governance that respects the rights of all communities. The U.N. envoy’s push for an independent investigation into the recent sectarian violence underscores the complex challenges facing Syria in its path to peace and stability. The situation remains precarious as various factions navigate their roles in Syria’s transitional government.
Original Source: www.usnews.com