Syrian President, Kurdish SDF Leader Discuss Force Merger, Displaced Kurds' Return

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader Mazloum Abdi held talks in Damascus on Tuesday, aiming to integrate the SDF into the Syrian armed forces and facilitate the return of displaced Kurds to their homes. The meeting, also attended by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Ilham Ahmed, head of foreign relations for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, occurred a day after Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with al-Sharaa.

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Negotiations are underway to reach a national framework that secures Syria’s unity and stability and preserves the rights of all Syrians.

Kurdish sources close to the SDF conveyed optimism to Asharq Al-Awsat regarding the recent discussions. They hope these talks will help resolve outstanding challenges related to the merger of Kurdish forces, aligning with a January 2026 agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF. Abdel-Karim Omar, the Kurdish authorities' representative in Damascus, stated that negotiations are ongoing to establish a national framework that ensures Syria's unity and stability while protecting the rights of all Syrians.

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I underscored our support for a stable and united Syria where the rights of all ethnic and religious groups are protected.

Barzani's visit to Damascus reportedly created a positive atmosphere for the subsequent talks. He expressed support for a stable and united Syria where all ethnic and religious groups' rights are safeguarded. Abdi described Barzani's visit as

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historic