Syrian Government Responds to Hasakah Conference, Calls for Paris Talks to Move to Damascus; Israeli Movements Continue in Quneitra
A senior Syrian government official issued detailed statements in response to the Hasakah conference organized by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), reaffirming citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and constructive dialogue within the framework of a national project that guarantees Syria’s unity, land, people, and sovereignty. The official also emphasized the right of religious and ethnic groups to express their political views within legal frameworks, provided their activities remain peaceful, do not bear arms against the state, and do not impose their vision on the state’s structure.
Fragile Alliance and Attempts at Internationalization
The official clarified that the form of the state is not determined by factional agreements but by a permanent constitution ratified through popular referendum, ensuring equal participation for all citizens, relying on public dialogue and ballot boxes as means, rather than threats or armed force.
The developments in northeastern Syria were described as a fragile alliance comprising parties affected by the victory of the Syrian people and the fall of the previous regime, alongside groups attempting to monopolize representation of Syria’s components through force and external support. The official condemned the hosting of separatist figures involved in hostile acts, viewing the Hasakah conference as an attempt to internationalize Syrian affairs, invite foreign interventions, and reinstate sanctions, holding the SDF fully responsible for its repercussions.
Violation of the March 10 Agreement
The official pointed out that the conference constituted a clear breach of the March 10 agreement, which stipulated the integration of all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria within state institutions, guaranteeing rights based on competence rather than affiliation. The official rejected calls to form a “new national army nucleus,” reconsider the constitutional declaration, or modify administrative divisions. The conference was described as evading the implementation of ceasefire obligations and institutional integration, and as a cover for systematic demographic change policies targeting Syrian Arabs, allegedly carried out by extremist Kurdish factions.
Government Withdrawal from Paris Negotiations and Call to Move Talks to Damascus
The official stated that the conference dealt a blow to ongoing negotiation efforts. Consequently, the government decided not to participate in scheduled meetings in Paris and will not negotiate with any party seeking to revive the previous regime under any name. The SDF was urged to seriously commit to implementing the March 10 agreement, while international mediators were called upon to relocate all negotiations to Damascus as the legitimate and national venue for Syrian dialogue.
Hasakah Conference: Objectives and Warnings
The Hasakah conference, held under the title “Unity of Components’ Stance” on Friday, called for establishing a decentralized state ensuring ethnic, religious, and cultural plurality and reconsidering the current constitutional declaration, deemed insufficient to meet Syrians’ aspirations. Tribal leaders and prominent religious figures participated, emphasizing that ethnic and religious diversity is a source of strength. They praised the SDF as a nucleus for building a new national army and committed to the outcomes of agreements leading to comprehensive national consensus.
Participants called for revising administrative divisions to reflect local realities, involving civil society in reconstruction and decision-making, and promoting dialogue and civil peace. The statement described regime practices in some areas as crimes against humanity requiring impartial investigation, stressing the importance of political pluralism, women’s participation, and diversity, while warning against unilateral thinking that deepens crises.
March 10 Agreement and Implementation Challenges
The Syrian government had reached an agreement with the SDF on March 10, 2025, stipulating the integration of the SDF into state institutions while maintaining territorial unity and rejecting any division or federalization. The agreement is to be implemented within a specified timeframe but faces significant challenges due to differences between the parties, particularly concerning the form of integration and the rights of the autonomous administration in northeastern Syria.
Israeli Drone Strike and Continued Military Movements in Quneitra Countryside
Separately, Israeli drones targeted a headquarters of the Internal Security Forces in Al-Salam city, Quneitra countryside, causing material damage without reported casualties. Israeli forces also advanced from Tal Al-Ahmar base westward toward the Al-Rafid–Al-Asha road, establishing a checkpoint. Additionally, five four-wheel-drive vehicles penetrated Al-Ruweihina town in central Quneitra countryside, setting up a temporary checkpoint.
On August 6, Israeli forces deployed between Tal Al-Ahmar West and Tal Al-Ahmar East, cutting the road connecting the towns of Kudna and Al-Asbah, restricting movement in the area.
Related Topics: Pedersen: Rising Violence in Syria Undermines Trust and Threatens Political Transition
