Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said discussions are underway regarding a possible visit to Turkey, adding that a meeting with Abdullah Ocalan could take place in a future phase.

Abdi said the matter remains in the preparatory stage.

Reintegration With Damascus

The SDF commander said military and civilian integration talks with Damascus are ongoing.
He said the SDF insists on maintaining approximately 15,000 members of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and 50,000 employees of the Autonomous Administration in their positions, while also safeguarding the identity of Kurdish-majority areas.

Future of the SDF

Abdi said that, under the agreement with Damascus, Kurdish-majority areas would continue to be administered by their local populations, while a principle of partnership would apply in ethnically mixed areas.

He added that four brigades composed of SDF members are currently being formed for integration into the Syrian army, after which SDF forces would be dissolved.

Education and Kurdish Language

Regarding education, Abdi said both sides had reached an understanding on recognizing educational qualifications issued by the Autonomous Administration.

Discussions are also ongoing on expanding Kurdish-language education in Kurdish-majority areas.

Salaries and Oil Revenue

Abdi said forces integrated into the Syrian army would receive salaries from Damascus, while the Autonomous Administration would continue paying other personnel through internal revenues, taxes and customs income.

Talks are also continuing on mechanisms for sharing revenue from oil fields in Hasakah province.

Contact With Ahmed al-Sharaa

Abdi said the SDF maintains intensive communication with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding implementation of the integration process.

He added that once agreements are implemented, al-Sharaa could be invited to visit areas administered by the Autonomous Administration.

Fate of the YPJ

Damascus has proposed integrating the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) into the Internal Security Forces, citing the absence of a legal framework for their inclusion within the Ministry of Defense, according to Abdi.

He said negotiations over the proposal remain ongoing.

Detainee Exchanges

Regarding detainee exchanges, Abdi said Syrian authorities have so far released around 900 detainees, while the SDF has released more than 500 people.

He added that the SDF still holds approximately 500 detainees.

U.S. Role

Abdi said contacts with Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, are ongoing and that Washington is monitoring implementation of agreements.

He added that discussions are also taking place regarding possible U.S. funding for forces integrated into the Syrian army, though no final decision has been reached.