Kurdish-Led Council Rejects Islamist Authorities’ Constitutional Framework

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council has rejected a constitutional declaration by Islamist authorities in Damascus, calling for its revision to better protect minority rights. United Nations envoy Geir Pedersen urges an inclusive transitional government, while concerns about sectarian violence and governance persist as the region navigates a complex political landscape following recent changes in leadership.

On Friday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) rejected a constitutional declaration from the Islamist authorities in Damascus, demanding a revision. This declaration, issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to establish a five-year interim government following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and emphasizes the role of Islamic law while allowing for freedom of opinion. However, the SDC criticized it for insufficiently safeguarding the rights of Syria’s diverse communities.

The United Nations’ special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged the new leadership in Damascus to create an inclusive transitional government. He also advocated for an investigation into recent sectarian violence that resulted in numerous casualties. On the 14th anniversary of the uprising against Assad, Pedersen emphasized that Syria is at a critical juncture.

In response to the evolving political landscape, Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria have established an autonomous governance system, stemming from years of suppression under the Assad regime. Their primary concern is that the new Damascus leadership may threaten their rights, marginalizing the use of the Kurdish language in schools and diminishing women’s representation in government.

The SDC issued a statement declaring the constitutional declaration a mere perpetuation of authoritarianism and emphasized the necessity for a decentralized governing structure with equitable power distribution. They insisted that any constitutional reform must reflect a genuine national consensus rather than being dictated by one faction.

Recently, the SDC, aligned with U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, entered into an agreement to collaborate with the Damascus government, leading to the transfer of critical assets such as border crossings and oil fields. While implementation is projected by year’s end, the arrangement lacks clarity regarding the future integration of SDF’s military operations into Syria’s defense structure.

Pedersen expressed hope that Sharaa’s framework could facilitate the restoration of law and a structured transition in Syria, amid Sharaa’s commitment to inclusivity and ongoing challenges concerning sectarian strife attributed to government-aligned forces. He advocated for an independent inquiry into the violence, warning that prevailing distrust and fear could threaten the transition process.

In summary, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council has firmly rejected the constitutional framework proposed by the new Islamist authorities in Damascus, calling for a more inclusive and decentralized governance structure. The ongoing initiatives directed by the United Nations reflect an urgent need for a collaborative and equitable political solution in Syria. As the region grapples with sectarian tensions, questions regarding the protection of minority rights and inclusive governance remain paramount for ensuring a sustainable transition.

Original Source: www.usnews.com