Diplomatic Stalemate: Syria's Government Refuses Paris Talks with Kurdish Forces

In a bold diplomatic move, Syria's new government has refused to participate in planned discussions with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) scheduled in Paris, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Citing an anonymous government source, the state news agency SANA stated that future negotiations must occur in Damascus, regarded as 'the legitimate and national address for dialogue among Syrians.'

This development casts uncertainty on a previously signed integration deal between the SDF and Syria's interim government, which emerged after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad last December. The SDF, once a primary US ally in the battle against ISIL, inked the deal in March to unify under the Syrian state framework, starting a reintegration process with Damascus. However, the agreement lacks clarity on the merger of SDF forces with the national army; the SDF demands unity as a single bloc, while the government seeks individual integration, as per Al Jazeera.

The refusal to engage in the Paris talks surfaced shortly after a Kurdish-led conference with Syrian minority groups called for a 'democratic constitution' to establish a decentralized state, a proposal Damascus strongly opposes. Participants also criticized the government for sectarian violence in Suwayda and the coastal region, arguing the existing constitutional framework falls short of Syrian people's aspirations. Recent allegations from the SDF of government-backed forces attacking northern territories 22 times have further strained relations, with Al Jazeera reporting on the SDF's measured response but clear warnings about eroding trust.

(With inputs from agencies.)