ERBIL — Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa announced Monday that negotiations are underway between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) regarding the future of northeastern Syria (Rojava), including the fate of the SDF’s military presence.
“The states supporting the SDF are in agreement on the unity of the Syrian state and controlling weapons in its hands,” Sharaa said in an interview with Syria TV. He added that the SDF has shown a willingness to restrict weapons to the state’s control but admitted that “disagreements remain on some details.”
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed that his forces are open to integration into the Syrian state’s military structure under certain conditions. Speaking to AP, Abdi stated, “In principle, we want to be part of the defense ministry,” adding that the SDF has submitted a proposal to Damascus and is awaiting a response.
The talks come amid major political shifts in Syria, following the December 8 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by insurgent groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other opposition factions. Last week, a new authority was formed in Damascus, dissolving the Syrian parliament, repealing the constitution, and disbanding all armed groups, including HTS and the pro-Turkey Syrian National Army (SNA). Sharaa was declared Syria’s interim leader, backed by regional powers such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.
Despite the negotiations, tensions remain high. The Rojava administration condemned a recent conference held by Syria’s new leadership in Damascus, calling it “illegal” and accusing the participants of including “terrorists.” The event, which formally established Sharaa as interim president, was an all-military gathering, raising concerns among Kurdish authorities about the direction of Syria’s transitional government.
Sharaa has indicated that his administration is working on a political roadmap, including a law to regulate political parties and an eventual return to a parliamentary system. However, he warned that elections could take up to five years, citing the need to rebuild electoral infrastructure.
As negotiations continue, the future of Syria’s Kurdish forces remains uncertain. While the SDF seeks guarantees for political and administrative autonomy, Damascus is likely to push for full military centralization. The coming months will determine whether a lasting political settlement can be reached or if tensions will escalate between the new Syrian government and the Kurdish-led administration in Rojava.