Progress expected as Syrian government, Kurdish forces prepare for Paris summit

Paris is preparing to host a high-level meeting between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led “autonomous administration.”

According to Syria.tv, US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot will attend the talks.

The goal is to expedite the implementation of the March 10 agreement concerning the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the autonomous administration into official Syrian state institutions.

Sources report that the Syrian government delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Sheibani, while the SDF commander Mazloum Abdi will represent the autonomous administration.

This meeting follows previous discussions, notably one held in Amman, Jordan. The Paris meeting is expected to announce “advanced steps” toward implementing the March agreement.

Sources confirmed that the Amman meeting helped realign the negotiation process after the initial round in Damascus on July 9 stalled. At that time, both parties agreed on the need for military talks between the SDF and the Syrian Ministry of Defence, as well as mutual understanding on jointly managing checkpoints and resuming the work of state institutions in autonomous regions, prioritising the return of displaced persons.

Regarding the integration of the SDF into the Ministry of Defence, sources said the initial agreement allows Kurdish forces to maintain military independence within a unified corps, with divisions stationed in Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasakah, remaining in their current deployments.

As for Mazloum Abdi’s future role, sources indicated that discussions about an official position for him within the Ministry of Defence or the Syrian state are still “premature.” Such an appointment would require a legal and constitutional framework, including integrating all autonomous institutions and employees into the state and recognising their educational qualifications.

Notably, the “first meeting” between the two sides at Damascus’s Tishreen Palace was attended by American and French envoys, along with a significant Turkish government delegation. While the Turkish officials observed from a side room without participating directly, they were kept informed of all agreements reached.

By Tamilla Hasanova