ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Demands for Kurdish autonomy or self-rule in Syria have “not been made,” Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Rudaw on Saturday.
Asked by Rudaw's Alla Shally whether Damascus would support Kurdish autonomy in northeastern Syria (Rojava,) Shaibani said, “This demand has not been made. However, we believe in a single, unified Syria that guarantees the rights and safety of all its citizens, including the Kurds,” he said.
The Syrian government and Kurdish leaders have negotiated integrating Rojava’s Kurdish-led government and security institutions, which operated autonomously for over a decade, into the central government. The talks are part of a ceasefire following Syrian army attacks on Kurdish-majority areas.
While the international community widely supports a unified Syria, Damascus is facing mounting international pressure to create an inclusive government, clamp down on violence against minorities, and implement a decree guaranteeing Kurdish rights.
‘Excellent’ meeting with Barzani focused on SDF, rights, aid
Shaibani made the remarks following talks with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani at the Munich security conference, which he described as positive. The leaders addressed coordination of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army.
“The meeting with Mr. Nechirvan was excellent. We have frequent relations and meetings; our first meeting was also here in Munich last year," Shaibani said.
He said that Barzani "reaffirmed his support for the ongoing agreement with the SDF."
"He also emphasized his support for the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and the necessity of integration and ensuring that Syrian interests are the priority for everyone,” Shaibani added.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region’s presidential office, Barzani and Shaibani discussed developments in Syria and their implications for regional peace and stability, emphasizing “the importance of resolving Syria’s tensions and protecting the rights of all communities.”
"The humanitarian situation of displaced persons was discussed," the statement added, with Shaibani praising "the role of the Kurdistan Region's leadership in the Damascus-SDF agreement."
Shaibani also commented on a separate meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi on Friday, saying Washington continues to support “the path that the Syrian government is currently taking.”
“The United States is supportive of the Syrian government and also the territorial integrity of Syria,” he said.
Washington is helping Damascus to rebuild and “succeed in this phase. They have been very practical in lifting sanctions on Syria,” he said. Lawmakers lifted sanctions in November to help Syria rebuild.