At a Glance

• General Mazloum Abdi emphasized that Kurdish rights and language must be constitutionally guaranteed.
• Abdi noted that ianstitutional integration across Syria has progressed.
• He advocated for a new governance system satisfying all Syrian components.
• Abdi stressed that political parties must unite to protect achievements.

Advisor to the Syrian Presidency General Mazloum Abdi emphasized the necessity of securing Kurdish rights in the constitution, noting that the reintegration of the Autonomous Administration's institutions with the Damascus government has already progressed.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area

• In remarks to the MERI Forum, Mazloum Abdi stressed that the Kurds have been “marginalized” in the formation of the Syrian state. 
• He highlighted that if Kurdish demands are enshrined in the constitution, the Kurdish people in Rojava will attain their rights. 
• Abdi also stressed that the people and all parties in Rojava support the reintegration process.

---

Delivering remarks during a panel at the MERI Forum in Erbil, Mazloum Abdi stated that his agreement with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa aimed to unify institutions across the entirety of Syria. 

He confirmed that the Syrian state's negotiations were conducted exclusively with the SDF and the Autonomous Administration, emphasizing that all achievements were realized solely within the framework of those talks with the government.

Abdi underlined that unity among political parties must be built on the foundation of protecting achievements. 

He said while there are obstacles and challenges in Syria, there are also opportunities for reconstruction and progress. 

Furthermore, Abdi underlined that while advancements have been made regarding the Kurdish language, obstacles still remain in ensuring it is formally recognized in the constitution.

“We desire to create a new system of governance that satisfies the Syrian people across all its diverse components. Great opportunities lie ahead for the people of Syria,” he added.

Abdi further underscored that they are taking new steps toward Kurdish unity in Rojava.

Additionally, Abdi stated that the peace process was the primary factor in halting Turkish military attacks against Rojava. 

He acknowledged that the Kurdistan Region remained unswerving and fully supportive during periods of both conflict and political negotiations.

FYI

General Mazloum Abdi and Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a sweeping integration pact on January 29, 2026, to dissolve the SDF and merge Rojava's local institutions into the central Damascus state. 

While this led to the cessation of tension and clashes, profound friction remains over the future of Kurdish political autonomy and its rights under the constitution.

General Abdi's focus on constitutional guarantees stems from recent widespread protests in Western Kurdistan that erupted after Damascus limited Kurdish-language education, raising fears that cultural rights could be rolled back without ironclad, permanent legal protections. 

Throughout this transition, the Kurdistan Region has served as a vital mediator, hosting crucial dialogue and coordinating directly with Damascus to stabilize the fragile integration process. 

Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You

Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:

Elham Ahmed Says Kurdish Demands in Syria Remain Clear

Elham Ahmed: Syrian Integration Successful but Challenges for Women Remain

Talabani Outlines PUK Policy and Regional Diplomacy at MERI Forum

Nechirvan Barzani Addresses Regional Developments at MERI Forum