Kurdish-Led Syrian Group Rejects New Islamist Constitutional Framework
The Kurdish-led group in northeast Syria rejected a new constitutional declaration by the Islamist leadership in Damascus, calling for amendments to protect diverse community rights. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen urged for an inclusive government and investigation into sectarian violence, citing critical moments for Syria’s transition and Kurdish autonomy.
The Kurdish-led group governing northeast Syria has formally rejected a constitutional declaration issued by the new Islamist leadership in Damascus and has called for its revision. The declaration aims to establish a five-year interim period under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who recently led the ousting of Bashar al-Assad during a rapid offensive that concluded 14 years of civil conflict.
Although the declaration emphasizes the significance of Islamic law and claims to protect freedom of opinion, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) asserts that it fails to adequately safeguard the rights of diverse communities in Syria. In Geneva, the United Nations’ special envoy for Syria has encouraged the new Damascus authorities to form an inclusive transitional government and initiated an investigation into recent sectarian violence resulting in numerous casualties.
U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen remarked that Syria is at a critical juncture, urging authorities to establish a truly representative transition as the nation marks the anniversary of the uprising against Assad. Over the years of conflict, Kurdish authorities have developed an autonomous system in northeast Syria, a region they fear could see a regression of their rights under the new regime, particularly concerning the Kurdish language and women’s governance roles.
The SDC issued a statement completely rejecting Sharaa’s constitutional declaration, characterizing it as a manifestation of renewed authoritarianism that provides executive powers without appropriate checks. The SDC has called for a constitutional rewrite to ensure a fair distribution of power and the establishment of a decentralized governance structure, emphasizing the need for a declaration resulting from genuine national consensus rather than being imposed by a single entity.
Moreover, the SDC is the political arm of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which had agreed to collaborate with the Damascus government, transferring control of key border crossings, oil fields, and an airport. Implementation of this agreement is anticipated by year’s end, although the specifics regarding the integration of SDF military operations into the Syrian defense ministry remain unclear.
Envoy Pedersen expressed hope that Sharaa’s declaration would facilitate a return to the rule of law and an orderly transition in Syria. Meanwhile, Sharaa has pledged to govern inclusively but continues to face challenges stemming from a recent series of sectarian killings in the coastal region, attributed to factions loyal to his government. Pedersen stressed the importance of an independent inquiry into the violence, warning that an atmosphere of fear could jeopardize the overall transition process.
In summary, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council has firmly opposed the constitutional declaration by the new Islamist leadership, demanding significant changes to protect the rights of Syria’s diverse communities. The U.N. envoy emphasizes the necessity for an inclusive government and an investigation into recent violence. This dynamic within Syria raises critical concerns about governance and the future of Kurdish autonomy as the nation navigates through a pivotal transitional phase after years of war.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
