Media: US, France press SDF to postpone Raqqa forum

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have postponed a planned forum in Raqqa on constitutional principles after pressure from the United States and France, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The “Consultative Forum on Constitutional Principles,” organised by the SDF’s political wing, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), was scheduled to take place on August 25 in the northern city of Raqqa. The event was expected to bring together political parties, tribal leaders, representatives of local unions, and figures from across Syria, including Druze and Alawite communities.

An informed source told the Syria TV website that US and French diplomats urged SDF commander Mazloum Abdi to cancel the gathering, arguing it could complicate ongoing efforts to revive dialogue between the Kurdish-led administration and Damascus.

Washington and Paris reportedly want the SDF to prioritise negotiations with the Syrian government under the framework of an agreement reached in March between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Abdi.

Western officials expressed concern that the Raqqa forum could mirror the political fallout of a similar conference held in Hasakah earlier this month, which strained discussions with Damascus.

The SDC confirmed in a statement that the forum had been postponed “with the aim of creating a more suitable environment for national dialogue.”

The council said the delay was intended to foster conditions for building “a democratic, pluralistic, decentralized state” and to support the launch of broader political talks.

Despite the postponement, the source said both the SDF and SDC remain committed to convening such forums as part of a process to involve wider segments of Syrian society in shaping a future constitution.

By Sabina Mammadli