Credited from: LEMONDE
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a historic ceasefire and integration agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), following significant military advances by government troops in northeastern Syria. The ceasefire, which ends nearly two weeks of intense conflict, includes a detailed framework for reintegration of the SDF under Syrian state control, as reported by AA and BBC.
The comprehensive agreement features provisions for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, mandating the withdrawal of SDF military formations to areas east of the Euphrates River. This strategic withdrawal is aimed at facilitating the redeployment of Syrian government forces into previously contested regions, as noted by AA and Le Monde.
The agreement's terms include the immediate transfer of the provinces of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa to full Syrian government control, incorporating all civilian institutions and barring punitive actions against current SDF personnel. This setup allows the government to reclaim administrative powers, thereby restoring a centralized governance structure in these critical regions, according to information from AA and BBC.
Furthermore, the Syrian government will take over key border crossings, oil and gas fields, and assume responsibility for managing ISIS detainees and their families held in Kurdish-administered facilities. This move signals a substantial shift in power dynamics, transitioning control back to the state amidst ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, as detailed in reports from AA and Le Monde.
Moreover, the agreement recognizes the cultural and linguistic rights of Kurdish communities within Syria. This includes granting Kurdish official language status and acknowledging specific cultural customs, marking a historic achievement for Kurdish rights in the administration since Syria's independence, as affirmed in discussions noted by BBC and AA.