Syria Urges SDF to Honor Integration Deal Without Delay

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has demanded the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) promptly execute the March 10 agreement for integration into state institutions, accusing the group of obstructing vital security measures. The minister's urgent appeal came during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Wednesday, highlighting growing regional concerns about the SDF's implementation delays.

Minister Shaibani emphasized the critical need for the SDF to honor its commitments under the March 10 agreement, stating the group must "commit to the March 10 agreement and make every effort to implement it." He expressed frustration that the deal "remains only ink on paper" due to what he characterized as the SDF's reluctance to take necessary implementation steps, warning that these delays are "hindering the interests of our people and obstructing counterterrorism efforts."

The March 10 agreement, announced by the Syrian presidency, outlined a framework for integrating the SDF into official state institutions while reaffirming Syria's territorial integrity and rejecting separatist agendas. The SDF, which is dominated by the YPG - the Syrian affiliate of the PKK terrorist organization - has reportedly violated the agreement multiple times since its announcement, despite initial commitments to comply.

The Syrian minister's statements during his Ankara visit underscore the broader regional security concerns surrounding the SDF's activities. The integration of the group into state institutions is seen as crucial for stabilizing northeastern Syria and addressing security threats that affect both Syria and neighboring countries, including Türkiye, which has long expressed concerns about the SDF's affiliations and objectives.